As a REALTOR®, I’ve seen all kinds of “service” or lack of such that real estate agents offer to their clients.
There are several levels of listing agents and I’ll discuss some of those types of service levels with which I have experienced on transactions.
Limited Service: There is the limited service agent who will place a client’s home on the multiple listing service (MLS) for a flat fee and call it a day. (Limited service agents really don’t have clients IMHO!) In some states (e.g. Utah), real estate agents are required to represent their clients in negotiating the purchase contract as well. This law was put into place because so many sellers were taken advantage of by buyers who had representation and whose agents were doing everything they could to represent their clients well—not the underrepresented seller.
Discount Agents: There are discount real estate agents who “buy” listings by charging a smaller commission structure to obtain customers. If they’re so quick to negotiate their salaries down, how diligently and aggressively will they negotiate the price and terms for their customer? Oft times discount real estate services equals less service.
No-Service Agents: There is the “bad full-service” real estate agent who lists properties for full commissions or even at a discount and they simply list and pray that the homes sell. They might even do some marketing, but they do the bare minimum and never PURPOSELY contact or directly communicate with their customer. If you can’t reach the agent who listed your home, chances are you’re getting the services of a less-experienced agent who works for that team. He or she may, or more likely, may NOT know your home and your circumstances. Good luck!
Dean’s Definition of Full Service (I love working with these agents!): Finally, there’s the “true full-service REALTOR®” who does everything to meet his (or her) client’s goals and does his best to get the client’s home sold for the most money; with the least amount of disruption to their client’s life; and in the least amount of time. A full-service REALTOR® makes sure their client’s home is priced right because that’s 80% of getting a listing sold. He also aggressively negotiates the sale (price & terms) of his client’s home with the buying party.
He does more than just list the property on the MLS. They also are involved in their communities and interact with other real estate professionals exposing their listings to those with buyer clients. Target marketing is just one great way to expose homes to potential buyers. He’ll also use the Internet as a tool advertising their properties on multiple sites to give clients the best opportunity to get their home sold–because they have the greatest exposure possible.
Getting to contract is one thing, getting to closing is where a great REALTOR® earns his wages…
The escrow period is where all the actions and deadlines need to be met so the transaction comes to a successful close. Some of the tasks agents perform to get to close include: ensuring buyers are real (from searching interviews with lenders); title search, appraisals and inspections are ordered; and contingencies and all deadlines are met. We act as conductors in a symphony of activity–while maintaining constant communication with our clients.
So the next time you or someone you know is considering selling a home or property, be sure to contact a REALTOR® who guarantees his services and who has a track record of successfully representing his clients.
Dean Crandall is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Westfield Real Estate based in Utah County. As of this post, he has just shy of a six-year record of blessing the lives of sellers and buyers. You can reach him at 801-836-3112 or at his web site.
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