I answer my cell phone most of the time rather than use it to screen calls. I receive my email on my Treo. I want my clients to know that I am responsive. Apparently these acts bring more buyers.
The National Association studied “Internet”buyers vs. “Traditional” buyers. They discovered that 71% “Internet” buyers interviewed only one agent, and 25% chose the first agent to respond. When asked, 43% said qualifications count. Do they?
“Internet” buyers are younger, better educated (85% have college degrees, 11% have post graduate degrees) and higher incomes. They might take the time to check the credentials and education of their doctor, but they don’t seem to check out the same with the person they trust with their biggest financial investment. And they make a purchasing decision after 2 weeks of reviewing homes in person….
I contend that these “Internet” buyers do not know what qualifications or specializations show extra competence for their type of residential real estate transactions. Does the person have a salesman’s license or broker’s license. Have they earned an Accredited Buyer Representative designation, or are they a Certified Residential Specialist, or a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist or a Certified International Property Specialist or a Graduate of the Realtors Institute or a Certified Relocation Professional, or an E-Pro??? Do they have a college degree? In years past, it was so easy to become a real estate agent, most do not have college degrees. Articles are surfacing educating the public on specializations other than “The Neighborhood” specialist.
I am glad that I have earned the designations and can give my clients up to date educated professional help and strategic planning.
With the change in the market, agents are finding themselves with less clients. Maybe instead of using their extra time to become more educated, they could increase production by hiring a call center to answer their calls or a virtual assistant to respond to emails, thus becoming the first to respond.
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