Agents do More than Open Doors

Recently, while out to dinner, I overheard a gentleman ask his friends "Why should real estate agents get paid what they do? All they do is unlock doors!"

I try not to get offended when I hear such things. After all, not many people know the hours of work a Buyers Agent puts in - looking up appropriate properties that meet all of the clients requirements, scheduling showings through listing agents and sellers, and doing all the research on the home prior to (ahem) opening the door for you.

I work primarily with out of town buyers. They generally come to town with a good picture in their mind of what they want. Condo or home, beach or country, close to downtown or beaches...and I certainly love to work with someone who has thought it through. But I also know from experience that often, they end up buying something entirely different that what they envisioned.

As an effective agent, it is not just my job to open doors. It is my job to listen to the reason for the purchase, the lifestyle of the buyer, and those things which are truly important to them. Further, I need to step out and recommend to people those places which I think may fit perfectly, even if the suggestion is something totally different than they had originally considered. If we are spending several days together, the goal may change daily, as we identify what we love - and what we don't - each day.

A recent customer thought they wanted a downtown condo, yet settled on a private home in a vibrant area of Sarasota 20 minutes from downtown. Another was convinced that Sarasota would be home, yet fell in love with Venice. How did she get to Venice? After hearing her describe her "perfect lifestlye", I knew I had to bring her down there. It was a better fit, but she never would have known that had I just sold her a place in Sarasota like she had asked.

One of the things that makes an agent special is their willingness to be a willing and knowledgeable tour guide; not being so quick to sell a home as to find the right neighborhood, type of home and situation for their client.

(But I will be more than happy to open the door for you as well)