User63412_2_t Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte
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As a consumer, I don't care how many homes you've sold, how many accreditations you possess, or how many millions you make.  All I care about is:  What can YOU do for ME?

 

Agents boasting about their accomplishments... who cares?  As a home buyer or seller, I don't want to listen to you boast about yourself!  I want you to listen to ME!  I want you to REALLY listen to me! 

 

I want you to understand the person that I am.  I want you to understand my nuances, my subtleties, my priorities, my reasons, my likes, my dislikes.  If you understand me, if you really "get" me, then you'll be a darn good Realtor; you'll be MY Realtor!

 

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection                        Join the Optimist Group!                                      

 
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77 Comments on Take the "I" out of Realtor!

Short and to the point. 

I think I'll give this to every new agent.

09/07/2008 02:05 AM by Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Connection


So many agents dont get the simple concept, it is not about US... It is about our clients... I can not count how many times I have been speaking to another agent about a transaction and the agent says " WE are not going to do that" or "why would WE accept that"... It is a mind set that has to chance, WE are not a party to the transaction... As for the bells and wistles some people want that stuff other people do not... I say you have to listen to your client... Oh and I am proud of my certifications, at least they show I am dedicated and a true professional.

09/07/2008 02:14 AM by Richard Foster, RRG, CREN, ABR, ABRM (Elite Realty)


I agree 100%.  It is about the client and their needs, and wants.

09/07/2008 02:23 AM by


Customer Service must be world class and that starts with place the client needs right up front.  Nicely stated

Best of luck

Keith Hebert

Broker/Owner

Exit Realty NE Houston

09/07/2008 02:24 AM by A. Keith & Al Hebert Ken & Dana Snyder (Exit Realty NE Houston - The Texas Proud Realty Team)


You got it right!  I just took a CRS class where we had an exercise to talk without using the "I" word.  Amazing how hard it was.

09/07/2008 02:30 AM by Richard Dolbeare (RA), ABR, CRS, e-PRO - Hawaii REALTOR® With BS & MS Degrees (Century 21 All Islands)


The word I can be a self serving word, but as to hiring a professional to do a job.  I think that too often consumers list with inept agents. I would not like to have heart surgery by a rookie. I would want to know that my doc has done this many times, successfully!

09/07/2008 03:02 AM by Kevin Duffy


Great reminder...thanks for the short and sweet reminder that its all about the customer!

09/07/2008 05:11 AM by Judy Greenberg- Buffalo Grove-Long Grove- Vernon Hills Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)


Thank you--How true is this. I can't stand the blow hards about how fantastic they care. WHO CARES!

09/07/2008 05:53 AM by Ray Henderson (Weichert Realtors' Northeast Group)


I totally agree with you, Mirela.   This tends to be a very self centric industry.  We publish initials and accomplishments after our names that are not always meaningful to the client.

09/07/2008 06:04 AM by Margaret Mitchell, York Maine Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Yorke Realty)


You are onto something! Having been an agent for 30 years and with no big accreditations they wonder how I do it!!  Ahah!!  I help the client by listening to and knowing their needs.

09/07/2008 06:42 AM by Caren Wallace-Real Estate Agent (Stouffer Realty, Akron, Ohio)


Mirela, I got a video yesterday from a top producer wanting me to buy her listing presentation. I didn't want it but was intriqued by this form of marketing. The first few minutes we all about "her". I knew then I would not buy the product, I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII. 

09/07/2008 07:16 AM by Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams-Ann Arbor)


It goes right back to the saying "People don't care how much you know 'til they know how much you care" 

09/07/2008 07:19 AM by Sara Homan, Realtor, Residential, 55+Adult Homes, & Farms (Coldwell Banker Ellison Realty Inc)


I am not sure I agree with you 100 percent. I do agree with it is all about what I can do for a client. But as an instructor once ,so wonderfully, put it. Most people dop not know what all those initials after your name on your card mean. But they figure it is important. So in the least case the credentials might open a door for you to work your magic

09/07/2008 07:38 AM by Charlie Ragonesi Big Canoe homes, Jasper ,Ball Ground,Benttree,Dahlonega (All Mountain Realty)


This is the way I play things too.  I really don't understand those who blow their own horns so loudly...I guess I've never been a fan of the attitude that we should be impressed by show-offs.  It's one thing to let people know of some achievements (like Charlie notes above), but its HOW you do it that's important. 

Plus, I've got a name I COULD be cheesy with, but I can't do it seriously.  I don't like that flavor of cheese and I don't wish to serve it to others.

09/07/2008 08:29 AM by Suzanne Champion ---> Columbus Ohio Real Estate (Coldwell Banker King Thompson - Westerville Ohio)


I think you said it all. Pleople want to like you and need to be able to trust you.

09/07/2008 08:40 AM by Richard Lecinski (Long Realty Company)


You're right - consumers want to know what you'll do for them. No doubt about it.  They also want to choose the "right" agent and, if you don't tell them about yourself, who will?  While the emphasis must be on your services to consumers and promoting your market area, you must also provide some information about yourself and ask for their business.  A healthy balance is important in all areas of life, including self-and-service promotion.

09/07/2008 08:49 AM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)


Great Blog and so true!!! Don't you love the huge Glamor shots in the Homes Mag. taken 20 years ago, one time I had a new agent go to another office and ask the REALTOR on duty to speak to this REALTOR with the 20 year old glamor shot,  well the REALTOR on duty answered THAT WOULD BE ME.  My agent said OH , they must have printed the wrong picture in the mag. she said No that is my picture.  

09/07/2008 08:50 AM by USA Realty,Inc.


I believe it's always been that way but a lot of agents just never listened.  A lot of the "agent centric" newspaper advertising has just moved to the web.

09/07/2008 09:00 AM by Richard Iarossi - REALTOR® Crofton MD Real Estate (Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.)


The agents that boast they are "#1" do not typically get the repeat business (at least not in my area) because they don't focus on the client...its all about "their numbers/standings".

My focus has been and will always be -- on my client. To serve them in professional, honest manner, focusing on their needs (even if it means losing a deal...believe me, thats happened!)

Great post! 

09/07/2008 09:01 AM by Sara Kareer


Totally true.  Clients want results and someone competent to do the job.  Nothing will turn me off faster than someone who thinks they are the greatest, without showing me first. 

09/07/2008 09:04 AM by Kim Kelley, Realtor (Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty)


The agents that boast they are "#1" do not typically get the repeat business (at least not in my area) because they don't focus on the client...its all about "their numbers/standings".

My focus has been and will always be -- on my client. To serve them in professional, honest manner, focusing on their needs (even if it means losing a deal...believe me, thats happened!)

Great post! 

09/07/2008 09:13 AM by Sara Kareer - Century 21 Millennium Brampton Mississauga GTA Real Estate (Century 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage)


God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason...to use in that proportion. I do agree that it is important to share with the consumer your knowledge and experience as a professional, but one of the best ways you can do that is by having testimonials from others rather than you boasting them yourself.

 

09/07/2008 09:18 AM by LaShawn Norden (RE/MAX Central Realty)


I know what you mean...one company takes out a page to show the list of their listings and compares it to the sales of another. I know it must be hard for them to remember they started somewhere. Thier children will start somewhere and its all about service.
I will never forget my first listing. I didn't pretend to have ever done it before but I promised them all of my attention...and they got it. It was just a fantastic moment in my life.

That milestone was crossed. . . the home was sold and I was their number one agent.

lynne pope l  RE/MAX  l   Redondo Beach CA l  teamatthebeach.com

09/07/2008 09:22 AM by lynne pope remax execs Redondo beach


Well said.  I don't go into a presentation talking about myself.  I was a clinic counselor and subscribe to the Jung approach...tell me a little about what you need.  We work from there!

09/07/2008 09:22 AM by Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World)


I agree with you 100%!   Just like the Toby Keith song, "Wanna Talk about me..." it is ABOUT the consumer and WE should be listening, not talking so much.

  

09/07/2008 09:44 AM by Kat DeLong, REALTOR LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA, (WINDERMERE FINE PROPERTIES/LAKE ARROWHEAD)


Mirela, sage advice!  Thank you for reminding us that it is more important to understand and know the client than it is to brag!

09/07/2008 09:45 AM by Tony & Darcy Cannon - The C Team (ERA Realty Center)


Mirela,

I recently sold a home here and sent cards to all the agents (16) who showed the home, thanking them for showing it. In the card I said "there are many in our business  who claim to be #1 but the fact is we are a team, and we need each other to be successful..."

 

BeBlessed

John

09/07/2008 09:47 AM by John March, Realtor / Broker (Keller Williams Realty )


Mirela,

I agree, BUT a successful agent usually means you do CARE and that's why you have seen success!  The same can be said of any person in any industry.  If one is passionate about their job, it usually means they care and success follows.

Thanks for a great blog!

Ann Sabbagh

Seacoast Mortgage

www.annsabbagh.com

 

09/07/2008 09:57 AM by Ann Sabbagh (Seacoast Mortgage Corporation)


Hi Mirela, I think this is applicable to most people in most aspects of life...

09/07/2008 10:05 AM by Aaron Cullen : Folsom + El Dorado Hills + Sacramento Area, CA Real Estate (Brokers Inc.)


Right on man!!!  I couldn't have said it better.  It actually sickens me the way realtors go on about their awards. Who give a crap???

09/07/2008 10:12 AM by Cathleen O'Hannigan, Cary NC Realtor (Fonville Morisey)


Ain't that the truth, We had a big agent around here, she spend a ton on marketing, and was successful, when I met her, I thought she would be a bubbly person,  who cared about her clients, how disappointed was I when she turned out to be negative,talked over everyone, and didn't seem to really care about anything but the money, I always wondered how she was successful, I suppose she spends in advertising what she lacks in people skills.. :)

09/07/2008 10:19 AM by Konnie MAC Northern Virginia Real Estate (Konnie McKee )


AMEN, this also applies to LO's, and all the so called mortgage/realtor "experts" who wish to entice us into buying what their selling systems because they are soooooo great.

09/07/2008 10:20 AM by Texas State Mortgage Consulting


PERFECT! I chuckle at every bus bench, road sign, and business card that says "Top X of Company Y Realty Worldwide"...doesn't that just scream 'SELFISH' and commission-driven....not to mention far too busy focusing on world rankings to appropriately assist me?

09/07/2008 10:31 AM by Craig Pilgrim


As many others in life have found out the hard way, pperformance is the best measure of character!

09/07/2008 10:39 AM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


I really thought about my marketing here. I thought of a whole new approach that does sort of like you say. Dont say these are the services I provide. How about just talk about the services and how the consumer can benefit from them.

Like I could say my website was created with one of the fastest searches possible bringing you quicker results on your searches.

I guess it still has my in there...

09/07/2008 10:44 AM by Eau Claire Wisconsin Real Estate Agent & e-PRO® Realtor® Shane O'Gorman (Eau Claire Realty, Inc.)


Well said and so true, buyers and sellers want someone to listen, not talk their ears off and have them do what they want.

09/07/2008 11:06 AM by Christine O'Shea, Central NJ Real Estate Agent (NATIONS)


Mirela,

Super post..... some folks to pay attention to accreditations etc. but most do not.

Howard

www.acehomeinspection.biz

09/07/2008 11:15 AM by Howard Tennyson (Ace Home Inspection, LLC)


You are absolutely spot on.  It is one thing to self promote -- but really we exist to help our clients meet their needs, not our own. ~ Evelyn

09/07/2008 11:43 AM by Property Connections Realty Inc.


Mirela, I purchased my home before I was a Realtor and for sure I did not care about all the symbols after my Realtor's name. All I wanted was her attention and her royalty. Great post and well deserve the star.

09/07/2008 11:47 AM by Camarillo CA Real Estate Agent/ Mana Tulberg (Beach View Real Estate)


I just joined this group, because this post hit home as it appealed to me as a Realtor who is known to listen and "get" what her clients need.  Obviously we all agree that the customer comes first, as long as we all practice it, Realtors will get a better name.

Thanks for that post!

Sue Brown, Realtor
"Your Realtor, When You're Ready!"
RE/MAX All-Pro
ResidentRealtor.com

09/07/2008 11:59 AM by Sue Brown (RE/MAX All-Pro)


Wow - thanks for the perspective.  Makes you think it really is about the customer.

09/07/2008 12:12 PM by James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate)


A great post, and I'll admit I'm a little bit guilty. However, I don't just list the designations I explain what they mean to the customer on my "about me" page.

09/07/2008 12:14 PM by Vickie Nagy, Realtor, Specializing in San Ramon, Danville & the Tri-Valley! (Empire Realty Associates)


As a Realtor our track record is all weve got.

When we apply for a job, The first thing we are asked is  "who did you work for" Were you successful"

Most will answer the "what can you do for me question With " Whatever the listener wants to hear"

Especially those with no track record.

 

09/07/2008 12:23 PM by Dan Bradstreet


Mirela, I love the Clip Art you used!

Dan you said: "As a Realtor our track record is all weve got."  I ask: how does that track record get verified?

I never met a "top producer" that looked like he/she cared about the client --"top producers" play the numbers game! But, in their defense--maybe it's not that they don't care, it's that they don't have time to care......at least in my 'neck of the woods!'

 

09/07/2008 12:45 PM by Aida Pinto Real Estate and Loan Consultant (ReoLicensedSpecialist.com)


Great Blog!

And it should not be about IIIII or Tobey Keith, All About Me. It should always be about the client.

09/07/2008 12:50 PM by Richard Pino (Carlsonre.com)


Hi Mirela,   I read an article some time ago about which things attracted buyers/sellers to agents.  The survey had that whole accreditation thing almost at the bottom !  Certainly making the effort to attain them may be very beneficial but they simply don't attract customers as they are so often advertised !

09/07/2008 01:19 PM by Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty)


Hi Mirela

You are right on target, real estate professionals focus on their service to the customer.

Good luck and success

Lou Ludwig

09/07/2008 01:20 PM by Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates)


Mirela,

I just received a postcard from a Realtor with a message that basically read "i sold a home in your area and now I need listings so give me a call".  My reaction, was similar to this post.  Good for you, but what can you do for me?  Should I give you a listing simply because you managed to sell a home?  Isn't that your job?  Should I give you a listing because you don't have any inventory?  That's your problem not mine.  Maybe she should have just written "My bank account is low and I need your commission"?

Too many salespeople forget to put the customer first.  Nice post

Michelle

09/07/2008 01:41 PM by Above All Financial Services -Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker


I couldn't agree more, as new agents who have come into the industry and ask me "what the most important thing I need to know about real estate?" I always thell them "it's not about you". You can always tell the ones who will do well, very well and be more of the 20% of the 80/20 rule, because they GET IT!

Thanks for your thoughts...

CKS

09/07/2008 02:08 PM by Carolyn


I second that "AMEN"!

09/07/2008 03:46 PM by


I third the AMEN -- Does that now make us the AMEN CHORUS !  ( lol)  I think that a top producer may not have enought time for ME!  They may be too busy earning the "points" rather than taking the time to pay attention to ME!

09/07/2008 04:06 PM by Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire (Buyer's Option Realty Services)


I thought by the title this post was going to be about how not to say REAL-I-TOR!

No I in Real-tor!

09/07/2008 05:38 PM by Erica Ramus - Realty Executives - 570-622-6006


Well said.  I completely agree.  People need to trust that you are listening to them as their Realtor & you are "getting them".  It is as I would want someone to treat me. 

BTW - that girl on the skates is making me tired :).  kristin

09/07/2008 06:07 PM by Kristin Moran ~ San Antonio, Texas ~ Real Estate (RE/MAX Access )


Amen too! Love the avatar; real estate can be like tap dancing while wearing rollerscates!

09/07/2008 06:30 PM by Stephanie Zellous (Keller Williams Realty)


Great post, Mirela. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:

"The customer may not always be right, but the customer is ALWAYS the customer."

09/07/2008 07:28 PM by Jenn Beilmann, St. Louis MO Realtor (Coldwell Banker Gundaker)


Mirela .. I have really enjoyed your posts .. keep up the Excellent writing!

09/07/2008 09:39 PM by The Woodlands Texas Real Estate >>Spring Homes Pippa MAC (Remax Realtor, The Woodlands and Spring)


Mirela,

Congratulations on the feature. I actually think your Localism posts deserve some feature considerations.

I gave a presentation to a local real estate company two weeks ago and we discussed this very idea. Not I am a million dollar producer, but this is how your listing will be marketed.

Richard

09/07/2008 10:13 PM by Richard Smith Mortgages Home Loans FHA TN GA AL (American Acceptance Mortgage, Inc)


The mark of a good sales person is someone who is very egocentric. The top sales people are usually arrogant, self centered, and know the rules do not apply to them. We know them because when we come across one at Sears we end up leaving with a self cleaning convection oven for $1000 when we intended to by a $20 toaster.

However, real estate is about marketing for the seller and consulting for the buyer. The mark of a great marketer is one who knows their idea "sucks" unless the market accepts it and the mark of a great consultant is one who listens and tailors their presentation and services to meet the needs of the client.

09/07/2008 10:14 PM by Dick Winefield (RE/MAX Properties)


Mirela~ The consumers are much smarter than most give them the credit for.  NO ONE likes a "know it all" or agent that is just in it for the money or for what they can get out of it.  WIFM is all the client ultimately cares about. Any agents that don't have a true passion for real estate, just needs to go ahead and get out and do something that they love! 

09/07/2008 10:34 PM by Owensboro KY Real Estate Specialist Vickie McCartney Broker,ASP,ABR (Home Realty GMAC Real Estate Owensboro Kentucky)


Mirela, short and to the point! I think putting your customers first is a priority on all customer related businesses, but in real estate even more so, because the ticket price is a lot higher and selling or purchasing a home is a very emotional process for people. I would agree with some of the previous comments though, that if you have a passon for your job, it will show.

09/07/2008 11:19 PM by Meli Gerogianis, e-PRO (Keller Williams Realty)


Well put Mirela. Clients always come first and our advertising should reflect that.

09/07/2008 11:54 PM by Tigard Oregon Real Estate >> Wayne B. Pruner, GRI (Oregon First)


Certainly some point.  Putting the customer first and meaning it is very important!

Thanks

Tom Davis

World Class Delaware Realtor

09/07/2008 11:58 PM by Dover Real Estate, Dover Homes For Sale Real Estate & Delaware,Dover's Tom Davis (Delaware Real Estate: Delaware Homes: Delaware, Dover , ERA)


This concept is also used when developing websites with so many mistakes and errors made in showboating accomplishments when surfers really just want to see houses first.  Great post.

09/08/2008 12:43 AM by Justin Williams - Loan Officer (Prosperity Mortgage)


Thanks for putting me straight.  Sometimes we feel that the more letters after our name the better we are and the better consumers think we are.  Aloha!!!

09/08/2008 04:10 AM by Kengo Ueno (R) eCertified, ABR (Prudential Locations LLC)


Hi Mirela,

You've summed it up in a nutshell!  That's it!  And, we must do that for each & every client that we have.  Thanks for posting this "get it threw your skull" post!  Have a wonderful week!

09/08/2008 08:22 AM by YVETTE SMITH REALTOR IN WILLIAMSBURG VA WILLIAMSBURG VIRGINIA HOMES FOR SALE (LIZ MOORE & ASSOCIATES)


I couldn't agree more!  Clients want their interests "up front" and it's our job to do that.  We need to listen and learn in order to serve.

09/08/2008 08:25 AM by Jon Wnoroski, Summit County Realtor (Geneva Chervenic Realty, Inc.)


I agree.  I'm tired of hearing about the million dollar sellers. In some areas that could be as little as two homes. It is all about what you do for your customers.

09/08/2008 09:36 AM by Lisa Glowacki


Mirela,

Great post! Congrats with the feature on Activerain. Thanks for reminding me to be a good listener!

09/08/2008 10:12 AM by Mike Frazier, Dyersburg Tn Real Estate (Carousel Realty of Dyer County)


People have a huge stake in their homes whether buying or selling. Our community members often regard their home as a lifetime investment.

Excellent advice!

 
Wichita Homes for Sale 
Andover Homes for Sale  

09/08/2008 02:42 PM by Homes for Sale in Wichita KS | Lane Team Your Agents in Wichita | Wichita Homes (Wichita Homes for Sale)


I was very happy to see such lovely contributions to this post.  Thank you! 

09/11/2008 08:06 PM by Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Connection


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