Being Downright Professional Does Pay
by SANTOSH
(Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)
With over twenty years of working as an estate agent, during which I have seen both upswing and the recessionary nose dive that the business has gone through, I have the following tips to share with those who would like to benefit from the experience of others.
1. It is a flexibility of approach, as far as strategies are concerned, that pays. An astute agent would not stick to any golden rules; they must be open to change as the property market demands.
2. One has to adopt different strategies in one’s area of operation depending upon whether it is old and established, in the middle of its development, or in a state of being totally undeveloped.
3. Identifying the geographical boundaries one would like catering to be a must, and acquiring thorough insight into projects coming up, the estimated property rates and the class of the potential clientele specific to that area goes a long way in giving you that extra edge over your competitors.
4. It is better to have no expectations at all from your circle of close friends and relatives that they will ever be your client or help you in getting business. They mostly do not look at your efforts as professional and take your income from commissions as being easy money. I would even advise my fellow agents to avoid investing time in this category as, very often, they don’t attach any value to it!
5. One more change that has overwhelmed this line of work, as any other, is the use of computer-based tools now in our hands. You can use these optimally, but please be clear that nothing can provide an effective substitute for your personal presentation.
6. Restrict your interactions with your clients, both existing and prospective, to professional limits. While normal courtesies of business need to be offered, an effort to impress anyone by trying to befriend them is likely to be counterproductive.
7. Your behavior with customers should, at no point, smack of “pestering” them. Explain fully the pros and cons of going in for any property but never try to persuade beyond a limit; it will seldom pay.
Photo by Peter van Eijk on Unsplash
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Comments for Being Downright Professional Does Pay
Practical tips! by: Peter Hughes
I couldn't agree more with the author on two points; one, friends relatives seldom help and two, anything beyond professional courtesies may, in fact, be counter-productive!!
Very practical tips; thanks Santosh.
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More Comments for Being Downright Professional Does Pay: By Lanard Perry
Gentlemen. You make some great points. As a real estate agent, exhibiting professionalism is crucial for building trust with clients and establishing yourself as a reliable and capable professional. Here are some additional ways agents can demonstrate professionalism in their role:
Knowledge and Expertise: Stay informed about the local real estate market, including trends, prices, regulations, and legal requirements. Continuously educate yourself about the industry to provide accurate and up-to-date information to your clients.
Communication Skills: Maintain clear and prompt communication with clients, colleagues, and other professionals involved in real estate transactions. Respond promptly to calls, emails, and messages, and keep all parties informed throughout the process.
Professional Appearance: Dress professionally and appropriately for meetings, property showings, and networking events. A well-groomed appearance conveys a sense of professionalism and reliability.
Integrity and Ethics: Uphold high ethical standards in all your dealings. Always be honest, transparent, and act in the best interest of your clients. Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.
Organization and Time Management: Stay organized and manage your time effectively. Keep track of appointments, deadlines, and paperwork. Being punctual and prepared for meetings and showings demonstrates respect for others' time.
Attention to Detail: It's important to carefully review the details of any transactions, contracts, and paperwork. Ensure accuracy in all documentation and thoroughly review contracts and agreements before presenting them to clients.
Professional Networking: Cultivate relationships with other professionals in the industry, such as lenders, inspectors, and appraisers. Building a solid network can enhance your credibility and enable smoother client transactions.
Client-Centric Approach: Put your client's needs first and provide personalized service. Listen actively to their requirements, concerns, and preferences, and strive to exceed their expectations.
Continued Education: Stay updated with industry knowledge and professional development opportunities. Attend workshops and conferences to enhance your skills and stay current with market trends.
Respectful Conduct: Treat all individuals with respect and professionalism, regardless of their background or role in the transaction. Maintain a courteous demeanor and manage conflicts or disagreements professionally.
As you know, professionalism is not a one-time act but a consistent approach that should be demonstrated throughout your career as a real estate agent. Adhering to these principles will build a strong reputation and foster long-term relationships with clients and industry professionals.
