6 Things Buyers Want in an Agent
6 Things Buyers Want in an Agent
You always ask buyers what they’re looking for in a home, but have you ever thought about what they’re looking for in an agent? In order to ensure that you convince buyers that you’re the agent who can get the job, you need to have a deep understanding of what they are looking for. Here are the six major things that buyers want in an agent.
1. They Want to Trust You
Doctor, mechanic, real estate agent: these three people in your life that you need honesty from. And when it comes to you, an agent, sometimes you have to work even harder to gain trust because of negative experiences that buyers may have had with agents, not to mention the horror stories they’ve heard from friends and family. Reassure buyers from your first meeting that their needs are your top priority and that they should never hesitate to share their questions and concerns with you.
2. They Want You to Be an Area Expert
Finding them the right home is key, but buyers also want an agent who can help them determine if it’s in the right neighborhood for them. How are the schools? Is it a safe area? What about cultural attractions, restaurants, and nightlife? Buyers want you to be able to anticipate — and already know the answer to — these questions.
3. They Want You to Do What You Say
Going back to the issue of trust and honesty, it’s imperative that you keep your word. So if you say you’re going to call or email or meet with buyers, do it. Especially if buyers are already have a preconceived notion about the unreliability of real estate agents, don’t prove them right.
4. They Want You to Have Your Act Together
If you’re not already organized, you need to be. In this details-are-everything profession, forgetting meetings or phone calls or documents is a surefire way to erode your credibility with your clients. Figure out an organizational strategy that works best for you, such as with tech tools like Evernote.
5. They Want You to Listen to Them
Even more than listening, buyers want you to hear them. They don’t want someone who asks them questions and then sits there with glazed-over eyes. Instead, they want you to take their wishes and concerns to heart by showing them properties that take their requests into consideration. Also, don’t forget to ask buyers questions to help clarify and get a better sense of what they want.
6. They Want You to Have Good References
Just as when you’re applying for a job, solid references and referrals are an indispensable resource for agents. Buyers want to know what types of properties you’ve sold, and they want to know that you have a history of happy customers, so make sure to gather and post testimonials from satisfied clients on your site and on your Trulia profile, where you can easily request recommendations from past clients and highlight your success by uploading your sold listings.
Tell us! What characteristics do you think you have that set you apart?
