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Feb 2006
Index of all
messages
from the Association President
The Golden Rules of Being a Great REALTOR®
By Kim Enomoto
I must applaud a number of agents with whom which I have recently done business. I called them for feedback and they actually called me back!
A lot of us think, “Well, that’s just common courtesy.” True…but even so, it’s amazing how many calls go unreturned. How important they are to our sellers! Our clients, and we as agents, may be struggling to sell homes in this market. Our colleagues would love to know whether they missed something or whether the house shows great. In this way, they can provide their clients some positive or constructive feedback.
Returning feedback calls is just one way REALTORS® can follow the “Golden Rule,” doing for our colleagues as we hope they will do for us. Following a few simple courtesies and making a commitment to better yourself through education and involvement can lead to your reputation as a professional, thorough agent who takes time to do things right.
Let them know
We’ve all had vacant properties; there are more and more on the market recently. Take a moment after you’ve shown a home to call your fellow agent when something is amiss, or the house was cold, or you think there maybe a water leak, or something just does not look right. The call could help stop a problem in its tracks.
Show it right
I also need to emphasize, although it does not happen often….never, ever let your buyers enter a home without you or another licensed agent present! You would be violating Commission rules and taking a huge professional risk. For specific information on this rule, see the Real Estate Commission manual, Chapter 3, Section CP-16, “At no time should a selling broker share the access information with a third party (inspector, appraiser, buyer, etc.), without the listing broker’s authorization.”
Most people don’t go into a home with any malicious intent, but should something happen or come up missing, your license is on the line. You have made a huge investment in your career; do not jeopardize all you worked toward over something as simple as showing a home inappropriately.
Offer contract help
Many brand new agents are writing their first couple of contracts, and we all remember sweating over those. My experience is, agents are either willing to tutor a new agent through the contract, or they don’t want to take the time.
I encourage you to offer help when it’s needed. It’s a win-win situation and a pleasure doing business with these truly professional agents who are willing to lend their experience and wisdom. We can help new agents work professionally to sort out an offer to the mutual benefit of both the buyers and the sellers, giving them more confidence and in turn, making both clients’ dreams come true. The greatest agents out there know the value of this, and remember well when they were the ones asking those same questions and feeling unsure.
Stay in touch
Communicate clearly and concisely with all who call or request information from you; do this promptly and in the communication style of their comfort, whether by phone, voice mail or e-mail.
Remember that over 74 percent of all people who look for houses start on the Internet and spend six weeks there browsing before calling or e-mailing an agent. Sharpen your e-mail skills by taking a class. Get in the habit of checking your e-mail at least twice a day.
Remember, the first to respond is generally the first to get the business. We know when we want something, we want it now. Our clients or people looking for information feel the same way. Making sure you are at the top of your game will only make your clients feel the kind of confidence and loyalty we all want to foster.
Get educated
Increasing your knowledge will help you better serve your clients and customers to the best of your ability. The Aurora Association of REALTORS® continues to provide great classes and opportunities. Log onto www.AuroraRealtors.org and click on the “Education Schedule” to get a complete listing of classes, or stop by AAR and pick up a printed catalog. Top agents swear by the educational classes they take and statistics indicate that agents who attend classes regularly benefit dramatically in monetary and personal ways.
Get involved
Volunteer in your community. Get involved in your homeowner’s association, schools, churches, community centers, etc. What a wonderful way to give back and meet new friends and possible future clients at the same time. There is nothing more impressive than speaking with an agent who knows her/his community inside and out.
Volunteer with your association. Those who volunteer gain many insights and experiences that others may not have. AAR is always looking for people to be apart of this wonderful organization. The Association is eager to match you with a committee that would love to have your insights and skills.
Know the Code
Read and abide by the Realtor Code of Ethics. You can download this information at: http://www.realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/pages/printable2006Code.
Let’s make this a marvelous 2006, all working together toward becoming great and well-respected REALTORS®!
Please send thoughts, comments and concerns to
Kim.Enomoto@ColoradoHomes.com.
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