Characteristics of a Good Realtor

Who do you consider a Good Realtor?

When we asked our Clients the same question, they came up with 14 characteristics that make up a good Real Estate Professional. Take a moment to see if you feel the same way. Personally, I work very hard to meet every single one of those expectations.

Clients expect Expertise
A Good Realtor should work very hard to develop expertise on many levels. Not only they should strive to be an expert about an area that they work in, they also should expand their understanding about home structure, building process and interior finishes. Then there is the obvious: They should continue their education on ongoing bases and develop exceptional negotiation skills, to serve their Client's needs better.

Clients demand Specific Market Knowledge
You may not realize that buying a home involves quite a bit more than just signing on the dotted line. My Clients were quite happy when I provided tips on renovations and supply them with information on making connections to local contractors, landscapers, mortgage brokers and cleaning services. It helped them to achieve a smooth transition into their new neighborhood and new environment.

Clients want a Realtor that is a Good Listener
The ability to "read between the lines" and to truly listen to what the Client is saying, are important attributes that a good Realtor should acquire as soon as possible. During my time in the banking industry, I have learned how to listen. My communication skills are one of the most important assets that I can offer my Clients and Customers.

Clients need a Good Negotiator
Many people do not feel they can negotiate on their own. The access to the Internet allows them do their research and be very well informed about the current home market, prices and locations, but they still feel that the Real Estate Professional is the best person to get them the best deal.

Clients require Patience from their Good Realtor
I know well that buying or selling can be an emotional experience. My Clients and customers wanted someone who will give them the time to adapt. In both the buying and selling situations, Clients struggle with conflicting feelings and experience second thoughts. Many people associate the real estate transaction with being pressured to settle on a location or finalize a deal. I know, because there was a time I felt the same way, when I was on the other side of the table. Since then I promised myself that my Clients will never feel the same way about the way that I handle transactions. I promised myself that I will always be viewed as a good Realtor. I'm happy to say, that I managed to do just that during my time as a Realtor.

Clients anticipate Thoroughness from a Good Realtor
One of the highly valued attributes of a Good Realtor is the attention to detail. At a time when sellers or buyers are trying to work through all the aspects of the home sale or purchase, a good Realtor makes sure all the small and large issues get the proper attention and nothing falls through the cracks. Personally I think that I had a tendency to overdo it with the details a bit, but that means that all my "i's" were dotted and my "t's" crossed. And my Clients were settled into their new environment smoothly and without a glitch.

Clients ask for Flexibility from a Good Realtor
We all know that ideas and specifications may change when a Client goes through the buying process, and they want a professional who can adapt to those changes, as it is needed. Simply because of that a Realtor MUST be able to accommodate the changing needs of their clients, after all THEY are the ones who know best what their families need.

Clients demand Attentiveness from their Good Realtor
I know that giving the magnitude of the real estate transaction, clients want to be assured of certain things. That beyond truly listening to them, their Realtor will respond in a timely manner to any inquiries, in any form, that they will take time to make sure that all their real estate related needs are met. And after all is said and done… The Realtor will still remember them, years latter. Is that too much to ask?

Clients insist on Hardworking Professionals
My goal was to make sure that in the Hot Market the property will stand out of the crowd, and that in the Slower Market, I would do all that needs to be done to emphasize the advantages of your property. I understand that a good Realtor will work hard to promote the property or alternatively allocates enough time to find the right property for the Client to purchase.

Clients need a well Networked Representative
To fulfill the needs of their Client, a Good Realtor needs to stay well connected and always have current market information. Not only my Networking skills and the ability to communicate with other agents MUST be exceptional, I also need to have connections in the wide range of related fields like house financing, repairs and renovations, landscaping, paving, interior decorating and the like.

Clients want a Trustworthy Realtor
According to consumer's reports, Realtors rank 5.38 out of 10 on the scale of Trustworthiness. We are lower than Bank Managers and higher than Insurance Agents. My goal always was been to change that perception. Any good Realtor should strive to do the same.

You see… Trust opens doors and lets you in. It is never gained by words; it is always gained by actions. A good Realtor should not waste your time with promises they can't keep. They should not give advice that is not theirs to give. They should show you homes that you want to see and not those they think would be better for you. They have no right to decide that for you.

Realtors job is to provide a balanced view of the current market situation, all the pros and cons of the home you consider buying and to guide you through the process. Not just paint a pretty picture for you. That's just a waste of time, yours and theirs.

You see no house is ideal and perfect, there will always be something that will need to be changed, most people understand that, if you don't it is the Realtor's job to point out any flaws, so you can make a well informed decision about what you spend your hard earned money on.

A Realtor should not want to sell you just any home. They should want to sell you a home right for you. This is the only way to gain your trust.

Clients require Diligence from a Good Realtor
Passion for what the Good Realtors do, translates into a job done well. I became a Real Estate Sales Representative because the housing market and everything about it always fascinated me. My excitement about what I do is infectious. I truly enjoyed the challenges that my profession offered and looked forward to every new opportunity to guide my client or customer through the process of home selling… or buying. This was an exciting time in my life... I was a good Realtor.

Clients need a Helpful Professional
Why do you hire a Realtor? Real Estate transactions are complicated enough to seek the guidance of the professional to get you through the process safe and sound. There is a big difference between being helpful and intrusive. Being helpful in my book, means to offer useful insights when it is appropriate. You don't want to be smothered with irrelevant information.

Clients look for Hungry Realtors
Common perception may be that only inexperienced Realtors can be "Hungry". A bit of contradiction here, when you consider that clients also want someone experienced. The truth is that you want a Realtor experienced enough and eager and ambitious at the same time. You don't want someone that will be so set in their ways, to not be able to adapt to the situation at hand. Or someone that feels he/she knows all there is to know about selling homes, and that there is no room for improvement.

Why was I hungry? You have no idea how much effort, time and money it took to get here. Did you know that we go back to school every two years, to keep up with legislative changes and updates? Imagine studying for exams while running a business. By working hard and being ambitious I'm not proving anything to anyone, but I am proving certain things to myself. It always was my goal to be a good Realtor.

You now have an idea about what a Good Realtor should be, it is up to you to decide, if yours should be considered one. What was the driving force behind my passion? Find out here.

Best regards,
Helen Ellement
Sales Representative
Direct: 705-718-3166 
helen-ellement@coldwellbanker.ca 
www.Selling-Barrie-Homes.com

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I'm Always Here to Help

If you have questions about up-to-date market conditions, would like to get my Price Analysis, or simply would like to know what that home next door is listed for... I'm always available to provide that information.

Perhaps you are considering a sale, but are just not sure what would be the best way to proceed in this changing market.

Or maybe you are the First Time Buyer, excited to enter the Housing Market, and have more questions than your would like to handle on your own...

Please give me a call at 705-241-4249

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