Zurple | Real Estate Success Blog

Mistakes to Avoid as a Real Estate Agent

Written by Victoria Deubler | Nov 16, 2015 3:30:00 PM

As a seasoned Real Estate agent, you work as hard as you can and strive to do your best for your clients. You treat them how you would want to be treated if you were in their shoes and give each client the attention they deserve. However, sometimes there may be oversights that can impact what’s best for them. Avoid these slip-ups and you'll hit the mark with your clients every single time.

Here Are a Few Real Estate Mistakes to Avoid:

 

  1. Don't delay following up with your client:

There's nothing more discouraging for a client than waiting for a response, or even worse - receiving a short yes or no answer. A slow response can lead to poor client satisfaction and may impact your buyer's or seller's ability to trust you. CAR (California Association of Realtors) reported that in the past year, 85% of leads used their mobile device during the home buying process, which means your clients are most likely waiting by the phone for a response. Do yourself, and your client, a favor and respond as soon as you can with an informed reply. 

  1. Don't 'oversell' a listing:

When listing a property, yes, you should dress up the description of a home’s features in order to attract potential buyers and receive showing requests. But, always be careful to not ‘oversell’ the property by disregarding, or even blatantly ignoring any downsides. While it may not be the fastest way to attract buyers, it keeps you honest and trustworthy – which are what most seller's are looking for in an agent.

  1. Don't let your personal views impact your clients interests:

Everyone has their opinions, but knowing when to share them is what makes a good agent, a great one. Letting your personal opinions have too much of an impact on your professional ones can impact the service you provide. Always make sure to do what’s in your client’s best interests rather than your own.

  1. But, don't compromise your personal standards:

Make sure that you are not impeding upon your own ethical and moral standards while trying to service your buyer or seller. If you happen to come across information that doesn't sit well during negotiations or are working with someone that has ‘loose’ ethical standards, don’t just go with it to make the sale. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!

  1. Don't give advice about a different professional field:

Yes, you always want to be able to meet your clients needs when they ask for help, so that you can be there for them throughout the transaction. However, don’t give advice if it isn’t in your area of expertise. For example, if your buyer or seller is asking for legal advice, direct them to an attorney instead of trying to answer their questions yourself. Not only is it against the law to give any legal advice as a real estate agent, but your advice may not be what's best.

 

Thinking through your decisions and communication will help you avoid these mistakes while working with your clients. Plus keeping their interests in mind allows you to do what’s best for them while you continue to be the successful agent you already are.

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