BC Sunshine Coast real estate by Menno at Royal lePage Real estate on the BC Sunshine Coast

Many people find it hard to imagine that there can be a substantial difference between all those real estate agents out there. Can you tell them apart? Are there any real estate specialisations?

To many people, all real estate agents are alike. That, in itself, is not a true observation. There are many differences and more importantly, there are many specialisations.

Real estate agent differences come right at you when you need to choose a real estate agent. You would choose one that’s highly competent, communicates well, knows marketing inside and out, works hard and is respected amongst colleagues. Right? The selection of a real estate agent is quite a job that most people don’t take seriously. This might be because many people believe that all real estate agents are the same.

Although it’s true that you should choose a real estate agent (following certain criteria) most people don’t. They’ll just take the one they happen to know. Or they’ll take one that somebody else happens to know. Maybe somebody they went to school with? Somebody that goes to the same church? Or just somebody that looks good in their advertising materials. Probably the worst selection criterion is to choose a real estate agent because you happen to be related to him or her. In real life, most people don’t choose a real estate agent on merit. Perhaps, that should change.

Unfortunately, many people think that all real estate agents are alike. We just a quick course and we are qualified to trade in real estate. Therefore, it’s “easy” to do it right. After all, what we do is sit near the phone, waiting for it to start ringing. Read on now, because we’re going to set the record straight.

Nobody is good at everything and few people can call themselves a specialist in a certain field. That's good to remember when you're looking for the best result.

SPECIAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS, OF SORTS

Some people are specialists at a certain job, others at a different job. It’s much the same with real estate agents. For instance, some work best with buyers and others with sellers.

Can real estate agents even be specialists at everything, everywhere and at the same time? Is there a difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent? Let’s look at some myths that surround our profession.

Apart from the obvious age and gender differences, are there any real capacities that set apart one real estate agent from another?

It's a great idea to be apprehensive of a specialist who purports to be a specialist at absolutely everything - because that's not really possible.

A SPECIALIST MAY BE REQUIRED

When you require the services of a real estate agent, it might be useful to check what this person’s specialties are. That is, if you agree that nobody can be “the best” at everything, everywhere, all the time. How do you find “a good one”? The one you just happen to know or be related to? That may be a good choice – maybe not. Other than the buyers/sellers distinction, there are many other specializations in real estate: commercial, rental and leasing, age groups, ethnic groups, and so on. Another obvious distinction is geographical area, of course.

A buyers agent, for instance, will look at different things than a sellers agent – or so they should. This could create a problem when one agent tries to represent both the buyer and seller. Can anybody really represent two masters?

A buyers’ agent should be a good listener as well as a good negotiator. It would probably be cool if he/she were also a good and safe driver.

Being a good buyers agent requires more skills than the ability to hold open some doors to houses that the client may have indicated that they would like to see.

WHEN CHOOSING A BUYERS AGENT

What to look out for when you want to select a BUYERS’ agent:
- Look for a combination of enthusiasm and experience; really both are required;
- Choose one that’s local, fairly busy but not too busy to deal with you;
- Make sure the agent has a referral network of bankers, inspectors and other professionals available;
- A knowledgeable agent helps; make sure your agent knows more about the area than you do;
- Communication: check that the agent responds easily the way you like, be it text, e-mail, cell phone or personal visit;
- How respected is the agent (brokerage); make sure that your agent liaises well with colleagues;
- Narrow it down to personality: do you want a talker or a listener? Loud or quiet? A know-it-all or a learner?

Being a good sellers agent requires a lot more than to have the "gift of the gab". In fact, many people find heavy talkers to be a serious turn-off.

WHEN CHOOSING A SELLERS AGENT

What to look out for when you want to select a SELLERS’ agent:
- See how the agent’s listings come up in searches (as that’s what the buyers for your property will be looking for);
- Check out the agent’s general web presentation; because that’s what at least 85% of buyers will seek out too;
- Property photography, some take it seriously, others don’t. It is, however, very important;
- Select a full-time agent who lives in the area;
- Since there is no substitute for experience, check for the number of years in the business;
- You want a busy agent but not one that’s too busy to deal with you – unless you like dealing with their assistant or answering service;
- It’s very important that a SELLERS’ agent can be precise and accurate. Even with disclaimers in place, an agent can’t be guessing stuff. Think of liability, reputation and credibility.

Personal interaction one-on-one is a fundamental of real estate. The uniqueness of the product and substantial value of the investment require an individualised approach.

ONE SIZE?

It might be funny to hear this coming from a real estate agent blog – but not every client “fits” with every agent. It really works best (and to your advantage) if you have a good, solid, mutually understanding, friendly yet business-like rapport with your agent.

If you are the kind of person who sees the fun in everything, then you won’t match well with a dead-serious stick-in-the-mud. Conversely, if you are a super strict and business-like individual, then you won’t get along well with a person who dilly-dallies all the time and tends to show up late for appointments. There are many such examples.

Right off the bat, take a “test-drive” with your prospective agent. See if that would work for you. If it doesn’t appear to work, don’t be afraid to reject because “we” are well-trained to take “no” for an answer. We won’t get mad and we shan’t hound you. Instead, we might actually end up helping you and guiding you in the right direction. Believe me, it’s worth a try! Choosing a real estate agent sounds easy. Once you realise that not all agents are the same, it becomes more complicated. Since it’s an important choice, take your time and choose your agent with care. If you do it right the first time, you’ll never have to change agents at a later time.

Marketing real estate can keep many people employed - assuming we want to do it exactly right. Below are some blog articles dealing with the topic.

MORE suggestions on how to choose a real estate agent and verify some marketing abilities:

The path to SOLD: http://www.mennorealty.ca/Blog.php/the-logistics

Precious, valuable yet affordable, the Sunshine Coast: http://www.menno.ca/?p=19739

Staged homes and realtors? http://www.mennorealty.ca/Blog.php/beware-of-staged-homes

What really is title insurance? http://www.menno.ca/?p=19836

What to say to a real estate offer: http://www.mennorealty.ca/Blog.php/thanks-no-thanks

When a real estate agent spots a true bargain: http://www.mennorealty.ca/Blog.php/tremendous-bargain