In the last issue of NSIDE Business Journal, I wrote about the continued real estate market growth in San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. That growth has also produced a high number of Realtors who want to “cash in” by listing and selling properties during the market increase. There are currently 8,000 Associates registered with The San Antonio Board of Realtors and the number is increasing. Consumers may think that there are many quality choices from which to select when looking to hire a successful professional to market and sell your home. However, it is important for consumers to identify an excellent professional who can effectively market their home in a way that stands out from the rest. When all is said and done, it is the individual real estate professional and brokerage with the highest level of integrity, honesty and customer service that will get “the nod” in this business and get the results that you want. A Sold sign!
As we all know, San Antonio continues to break ground and hold a strong position as one of the biggest little towns in the nation. Most people know somebody who can just list your home. In the last edition, I commented on hiring a professional real estate agent, should you be a busy professional in another industry, to help you get the job done efficiently, effectively and pleasantly.
Here are some tips that I would like to share in making the very best decision for insuring effective outcome in buying or selling your property. What has become more and more apparent is that a good reputation is what separates the wheat from the chaff. Reputation is everything in real estate.
Integrity and honesty is the bedrock of a successful professional in any industry, especially in the real estate industry, because your home or your place of business is typically your largest and most-prized asset. Anyone can advertise big production numbers and percentages to the general public, or even a specific market, knowing that many people are entirely too busy to research and verify those “pie in the sky” statistics. Making claims that are outlandish and somewhat hard to believe are usually initial eye catchers, but do they hold up in the outcome of actually selling your property? My experience is that keeping promises are much more valuable in the long run than making them.
Consistency in delivering what you promise is key to repeat and referral business and becomes the hallmark of an agent’s ability to succeed. To quote Dov Seidman, founder and CEO of the business ethics company, LRN, “We are simply not going to get ahead by simply bringing a property to someone’s attention. That will come just as readily online or through another real estate associate. The way we treat others essentially defines the ability to stand out and uniquely add value."
Trusting your instincts in choosing a real estate professional is essential. Knowing in your heart that what he or she says they are going to do, or has done, is extremely important. Usually, repeat business and word of mouth referral will help insure you are making the right choice.
The company with whom your agent is associated is also responsible to you for the promises and claims its agents make. The real estate licensing exam is only a baby step to success in this industry. Success comes when a Realtor has the ability to look their seller or buyer in the eye at the end of the day and at the consummation of a purchase or sale and know that they have done their very best job and that the level of customer service afforded is what makes them stand out as a successful real estate professional. When you can tell that your agent makes customer service more important than the commission, you are on the right path. You will know when interviewing potential agents whether or not they can deliver based on what they have actually closed, not just listed. These agents, who can not only stand the test of time but also bring authenticity and a good reputation to the table, will prove to be invaluable to you and also attract the attention of other outstanding agents.
There are great opportunities in the San Antonio market right now and, as always, real estate is a great way to invest your hard-earned dollar. Let me emphasize again that reputation, record and reliability are what make an extraordinary real estate agent stand out from the rest.
NSIDE Business Journal is read by thousands of business owners and associates. It is important to know that the publisher of this journal, his editors and advisory council offer agood reputation, and a level of consistency and reliability that complements their contributing writers and their content. I am proud to be in that circle of distinction.
