By Barbara Lehrer
Real Talk
Barbara Lehrer
The profession of real estate is a unique one, as the agent tends to become part of one’s family when dedicating seven days a week and all the responsibilities of this large legal transaction into a contractual agreement. Bringing the best terms and financial gain to the table is the ultimate goal of the agent. The process to get there means listening to the individual needs of each client. The beginning of the transaction is coming to a mutual understanding, meeting each new family and getting to the core of what their needs are and what they are trying to accomplish. At this stage of the game the realtor can earn the client’s trust in this new relationship, knowing that the process will have many curves to get to completion.
There is great pride in representing the completion of a home sale. The duties beyond working accurately to secure pricing and new possibilities to purchase are only chapters in the all-crucial elements needed to complete the deal. Negotiating, inspections, evaluations, compiling data, deadlines, lenders, explanations of the law and its procedures are all part of an even longer list that justifies why everyone on both sides of a transaction need representation. This process, mandated by state laws, is in place right up to the doorstep of the closing attorney.
When a purchase and sales offer is initially written up it is designed to satisfy the seller’s and the buyer’s needs, while keeping up with the market competition. This presentation in today’s market can be a “battle to buy” so intense that it is imperative that the realtor have a strong consultation sit-down with the clients they represent in order to set up strengths and advantages using the professional strategies compiled over years of experience as an agent.
As the overall real estate game goes, sometimes the buyer goes for the emotional buy, such as loving the décor more than the location. At times the agent’s job is to play advocate for the long haul. Will this home have good resale value? Experience is the backbone to helping clients assess what makes the home the right one.
Working with sellers starts before we even meet. The address and the comparable sales drive the entire appointment as we recognize the top reasons why they bought in the first place and review candidly any shortcomings that are still in play in this current home. Honesty is the greatest asset of an agent. There is great importance in creating trust as we move forward working together constantly to complete the plan.
This profession is like no other. It is not like that of a doctor or a lawyer, but it is being a teacher, an educator and a marketing specialist. Keeping these hats on is true dedication. Huge amounts of money are on the line. A business mind, not emotions, needs to be in play.
Compassion and fortitude morning noon and night to get the best job done is the realtor’s plan. I would not give it up for the world. I, like other full-time, seasoned agents, are helping families complete their dream. Do not let anyone tell you it is not necessary. Why would anyone chance giving up all these services?
If you need more information on these issues, email Barbara.Lehrer@cbmoves.com.