When you’re a professional in a field, and you listen to novices viewpoints regarding that profession…it amuses you.
The more they speak (write in this situation) the more you realize just how little they understand. They think they know, but they really don’t. They may have an anecdotal story or two to tell, but they’ve really very little comprehension of the function of a real estate agent.
Examples:
“If they aren’t putting their own money into what they are telling me to buy, that’s a bad sign.”
An experienced, proven, seasoned Agent (which is the type you should seek out) won’t be telling you “what to buy.” They’ll try and learn as much about you, your investment strategy, short-long term goals, etc., and match that information to the marketplace (it’s not about them…it’s about you).
Of course if you don’t know what your investment strategy is, if you don’t have any short or long term goals…then it’s easy to blame the Agent if you’re disatisfied later.
“If they are selling the same position they are telling me to sell, that’s a bad sign.”
That’s plain silly…what if the Agent’s strategy was to buy to flip, or they’ve decided to liquidate some holdings (as most investors invariably do)…that automatically makes their investment a “bad buy?”
Perhaps they’ve a child to put through college, or they’ve decided it’s time to capitalize on their success as an investor for a better (NOW less complicated) lifestyle.
The overwhelming majority of our clients are not only satisfied, but remain in touch long after we’ve helped them to buy and/or sell. Referrals are a successful Agents best kept secret…they cost nothing and are the result of a job well done.
We do have a small number of clients we’ll never work with again…but then again…they can’t seem to even get along with their own shadow.
-Infowell