7 Habits of Highly Ineffective REALTORS® | Real Estate Agent Mistakes Not To Make

There are probably scores of mistakes real estate agents can make, however, there are 7 mistakes, or bad habits, that bother me the most. Probably because I see them more that I would prefer to. Here is my list of 7 Habits of Highly Ineffective REALTORS®:

1. Tardiness, or being late for appointments. When a real estate agent shows up late for an appointment, it communicates the message that "my time is more important than your time," or "I'm too irresponsible or careless to provide a courtesy call communicating an unforeseen event," and/or "I simply do not care enough." Enough said on that.

2. Not returning calls promptly. We've had listing agents simply not return calls. The agent lists the property, then does not return calls on the listing. Not returning calls at all is certainly an extreme example, however returning calls promptly is important to the flow of business. Better yet, answering the phone when it rings is even better. Statistics say that a prospective client will go with the first real estate agent spoken with 80% of the time.

3. Not calling on the business cards left by real estate agents showing your listing. The real estate agent whose buyer is not interested in your listing is a prime source of information. Information like, did the house show well, were the sellers at home and disruptive to the process, does the house have curb appeal, is the house smelling like pets, nicotine, etc.

4. Bad listing pictures. Simply view this forum thread for this point.

5. The car being used. In our opinion, using a car that appeals to middle-middle to upper-middle class America is important. The bright red 2008 Mercedes communicates decadence and "I make too much money," however, the dirty late model Ford (or whatever) communicates a lack of success and unprofessionalism.

6. Profanity. It never ceases to amaze me the profanity that is spoken to strangers in a business situation. Not knowing the background of the stranger, the real estate agent may be using profanity to a pastor, missionary, or whomever. Along these same lines, course words, jokes, and stories, are in the same way unprofessional.

7. Misinformation. Having the proper listing description, for instance. Providing accurate answers to questions when asked. Essentially, knowing the product you are selling and/or representing.

Well, that's my list! Probably more a list of pet peeves, more so than a top seven list. If you are a buyer or seller and looking for a Highly Effective REALTOR®, then call/email Colleen or myself. We are Joe and Colleen Lane, and we service the Tri Cities Washington Real Estate community and the real estate needs of surrounding areas.

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