The TOP TEN ATTRIBUTES of a Realtor® That Clients LOVE came to mind while thinking of the ‘aftermath' of our Hawaii Tsunami scare today.
I woke at 5:45am to a blaring cellular that only rings when family has a concern. Sure enough it was my daughter telling me to get up because the Tsunami was coming! Whaaa? My first concern was to call my mom at work but my daughter said she already called her. My mom was happy as a clam being at work and at the country club during a crisis anyway. Family First.
My next concern was to call my client and cancel the home inspection scheduled this morning. I gave him information about the area of his ‘soon to be home' and the reason for evacuation in low lying areas. Then I called the home inspector who was grateful for the call as he slept through the sirens!
In any case, and in no particular order (as I believe they are ALL important) the following are attributes that the client, the consumer and our peers love:
- Honesty, Respect and Integrity: This would hold true for any professional in any business and a consumer will see through the lines of one who does not ‘walk the talk'. Giving straightforward advice and opinions shows that the professional is knowledgeable and that they hold themselves to a higher esteem. Being REAL is an attribute that are LOVED.
- Documentation Station: Getting everything in writing, documenting conversations and knowing how to save your emails in one folder for each client so you can refer to will be a great asset. With many clients at a time you are only human and can only hold just so much in that memory bank of yours. When you can refer back to a question from a past conversation and can hear the praise by the tone of your client...or peer....you know it's an attribute that is LOVED.
Neutral and In Gear: Regardless of Buying or Selling a Home it IS one of the most stressful situations in a person's life. It's a big financial move and it can make the difference between the consumer moving on ...or NOT. Regardless if there's anxiety showing keeping our cool and remaining neutral and not buying into the emotion is one of the biggest attributes LOVED.- Knowing Real Estate Contract and Laws: Every Real Estate Contract and Local Real Estate Laws vary from state to state. In Hawaii, we have many clients who are relocating here from another state. Regardless if they ‘know' how it was done in their state (buying and selling real estate) it does not hold true in other states. Being able to explain in detail the local laws and contract is certainly an attribute that the consumer LOVES.
- LISTENS to Their Needs: We would not be able to determine the best course of action for Hawaii Home Selling or Hawaii Home Buying if not for asking questions and really hearing their answers. Listening is key for communication and a successful business relationship. The consumer LOVES a give and take conversation. So do your peers.
- Being Prompt and Considerate: Being on time is a good habit of mine that my mother taught me well. I AM THERE for them physically when we have an appointment and I certainly am THERE if they have a concern by returning calls promptly. Great attributes that everyone LOVES.
- Going Above and Beyond: Just ‘getting' by with as little effort as possible will not win anyone over. It doesn't take but a few minutes to alleviate concern by printing out a pamphlet or two. Explaining everything in detail throughout the whole process and showing a little care by doing something extra is certainly what any consumer LOVES.
- Team Player: The consumer sees the Realtor® interact with all parties involved and keeping in touch of all aspects of the transaction. How? The Realtor® gives the client updates for loan progress, escrow updates, home inspection and contingency dates and so forth. Being a team player is what any consumer or peer LOVES because they know the job is going to get done.
- Healthy Boundaries: I have always believed that in personal as well as business relationships that respect is given when you have healthy boundaries. Overstepping ones boundaries is not acceptable on either side and letting the other know is an attribute that is not only respected by the consumer but LOVED by both the consumer and Realtor®. We do not tell people what they want to hear but give sound advice.
- Vibrant, Vim and Vigor: The saying, " You have to love what you do" is going to show through your demeanor, attitude and behavior. This attribute will show immediately by the level of effort and dedication given to Real Estate and the consumer/client. I LOVE what I do ...and they surely LOVE that too!
Attributes go as far as the dedication to each and every one.
It's the quality of the attributes that this real estate professional is worth.
Hi Sally! Excellent list of traits that clients love in a REALTOR! ON another note--you've been in my prayers all day--I hope you remain safe and hope how soon this threat passes.
Hi Sally - So happy that you are okay and that the tsunami wasn't too bad. And you have described the Realtor that we all wish we had opposite us in every transaction. Sometimes I feel that I am doing the work of both sides, as I am educating them (gently, so as not to seem bossy). And I feel from getting to know you through your postings and comments that this is just the kind of Realtor that you are.
This is great info to hand out in new agent training classes :) and get them started on the right foot... A good reminder to us veterans also!
also! Thank God the Tsunami didn't come through!
Debe: Thanks bunches...besides a nap I got some more stuff out by writing...a good thing. Maybe this 'day off' was something good lol
Susan: me too....I do believe I had that in mind...I mean...who wouldn't want their twin on the other side lol. You know what susan? Sometimes, I really don't mind doing the work....IT GETS DONE and on time!
Pat: What a nice compliment....thanks!
Hi Sally! Looks like those Tsunamis DO get the mind stimulated! Great post! Glad that we can say "It is better to be safe than sorry!"
Pura Vida!
Nice post Sally and SOOO glad you and your family are ok. Happy all the tsunami warnings are over with!
Excellent, I agree 100%, its what makes us professionals. I find that even if the other party is falling short, sticking to the list is the best way to operate.
Debbie: Ya think? LOL
Betty: thanks a bunch...you kept up with it over there huh?
Hi Sally, You can add "Concrened for Everyones Best Interests." Great list but I like how you looked out for everone and warned them.
Glad to hear there was no Tsunami
Richard: thanks much!
Sam-Jamie: Yeah...that's me :)
Geat list. I'm proud to be a Realtor and I know that buyers and sellers look for the Realtor symbol when choosing an agent.
Glad the tsunami passed you buy. Great overview of what it takes to get the job done with the least amount of drama and the most efficiency.
Sis - Jennifer & I were watching the news earlier tonight and hoping to the high heavens that you and family were safe and sound. Apparently, you are:)
These attributes you outline not only represent one heck of a Realtor, but one heck of a life, if lived.
Great list! Soo true..Glad everyone was safe!
Very nice list, Sally. Glad you're all safe.
Hey, Sally, glad that there was no tsunami. Thanks for the list of things we should all do but sometimes overlook. It really is the little things and the attention to them that makes so much difference. God bless.
Sally...great post! Worth printing and using as a daily reminder.
If you use Outlook, Xobni is a great way to look up all the threads of conversation with each client also.
Hi Sally,
Wow glad to see you and your family were passed over on this tsunami! I'm sure it was a little scary Love the post and Joe is righ..worth using as a daily reminder. Thanks!!!
Hi Sally,
Great post! I'll definitely read this daily before I start to work. A little meditation/ affirmation to get the right mindset goes a long way. Thanks for the list.
Glad the tsunami passed you. Be safe.
Well the post above was wonderful.... But I think everyone will agree with me when I say I am just glad you are okay!
Sally, I was SO glad to hear when they announced they called off the warning for you there! The things you provided on this list are invaluable to those that don't follow them....Listening to your clients, going above and beyond...people realize what you are doing for them and it brings you happiness, joy and referrals.
And new friends; what more could you ask for?
Hi Sally, nice to have a featured post on what the clients want and what we are trying to accomplish. If you have been following the blogosphere the last two weeks, there is so much discussion out there on college degrees, value propostions, etc.....
This sums it up so well.
Hi Sally,
Lovely post, and we are so glad our favorite place was safe. All the best
Sally,
First I am glad to read that the tsumai warning was cancelled. But it sure hits home as to how we must treasure every day.
Second, this is one great list and I agree whole heartedly. I am sure that every one of these attributes are you...and I too strive for these!
Nice Post Sally - and nice to hear you are safe over there :o)
Honesty, Respect and Integrity - Glad to see you hoisted this one up at the number one spot!
I am finding this less and less in the listings I read. I am currently doing an appraisal on a property that has been listed as waterfront, even though it is not. It was listed as such by the original agent, the short-sale agent, and the foreclosure agent. Moreover, the buyer's agent provided a CMA that used 10 waterfront homes as its comps.
The property does, indeed, have a great view, but the land between the home and the water is owned by the neighbor (who could decide to plant vegetation, build a guesthouse or garage, or how about a brick wall, and ubstruct the view). Not having land that reaches the water's edge also means no access, no dock, less usage and enjoyability.
Anyway, I'm going off on a tangent--too much coffee this morning, but I just read not 1 but 4 agents' words that lack your number one criteria for a good agent! Four agents out there in Northern Virginia either lying or at the very least misrepresenting (but probably lying :D).
Sally,
I was excepting an "I Survived a Tsunami" story.
This is a good alternative. I agree with everything, but I'd have liked you to elaborate on "Team Player" and "Healthy Boundaries."
Bill
Woo Hoo, Congrats on a well deserved feature. Great post. No surprise here. They always are. The list should be imprinted into ever REALTOR's work ethic.
No doubt those are all great qualities to have Sally. I am quite sure you are a sterling example of that!
Sally, as others have said, great qualities. Good news on the cancellation.
Hi Sally,
Great list to have compiled and posted ,
it's great for newbie and veteran Real estate sales people alike...
Thanks,
Robert
Sally I like the list, many of these are things we do and yet I think it is good for others to hear it because though they are simple they really do make a difference in your customer experience.
Very nice post -- just good old fashioned basics really -- glad you're ok over there!
Sally,
Wonderful summary of what good agents are all about.....congrats on the well deserved star!
Jo
Thank you all for stopping by...we as professionals know all this...but to practice it takes constant care :)
Have a good day...gotta do my Open House!
Thanks for the great post. Good list of what makes a good Realtor.
Great list ! It's all about Client Advocacy and serving them as the center of your focus !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sally, what a well-written blog! Since your home inspection was cancelled, and you couldn't show property, you must've had a lot of extra time on your hands.... and you used it well! Unfortunately your post is "preaching to the choir" as the TOP 10% of Real Estate Agents are here on ActiveRain... it's the agents who AREN'T reading this -- they really need this info!
Hi Sally, great post! I'm glad the scare is over. I had clients tell me just last night that they could tell I love what I do. I took that as a compliment for sure!
Honesty and integrity is the most important thing in any business.
Great post! Glad the psunami missed your area! thanks for sharing and reminding us of these important things; and what an awesome place to do real estate! Aloha:)
Really great information. Thanks.
Nice summation. I like your other avatar picture better, btw.
this was very refreshing to read. Somehow it was not the usual 'stuff'. I enjoyed thinking about your points and checking with myself to see if I am on side...
Thank you for the brief reminder of what I needs to be done every day!
Excellent post...glad you all are safe! This should be required reading for all new comers to the business!
Sally, congratulations on a well deserved feature post! and the tsunami of response it engendered... stay safe.
Excellent list. I think being responsive is the number one thing you can do to help your clients.
Perfect list. Glad you are safe.
Sally -- Was glad when the tsunami warnings and advisories were cancelled and I could relax about all my friends who live in the low lying zones. We only had the advisory for our coast - but my aunt and uncle live in a zone and it's a concern, Also nice that you had time to write! Like the list -- worth holding up as a reminder of how I aim to be, and who I hope to work with across the table and around the world.
Awesome post! A GREAT reminder everyday for us all. Thanks
Sally - super post with really important information for anyone who wants to be in real estate for a long time - glad you are well out there on your island in Paradise!
Great Post. This takes my philosophy of "Making a friend and advising them to buy or sell" as a personal motto to great heights. I still believe if you treat customers as you do your closest friends and handle them that way throughout the transaction, you cover all the basics. Family should still always rank first, just as in this story
Karen Palmer, Sales Manager for Davidson Realty, Inc.
Great list. Glad you had a false alarm. It sounded scary.
Great list! We can always use a reminder of the "best practices" of a real estate agent. Thanks for sharing.