Comox Valley real estate agents vary in their character, competence, and experience. For more than 40 years, I have observed that people possess various motivations, and that they also possess a variety of levels of knowledge, practical life experience, and competence in what they do in life. Real Estate Agents are no exception.
Before a real estate agent can apply for a license they must pass a licensing exam. If you are dealing with an agent who is relatively new, would you rather have one who barely achieved a pass on the exam or one who did very well? In order to maintain their license, a Comox Valley real estate agent must complete a specified number of continuing education courses. Would you rather deal with an agent who attends the minimum number of courses or one who is constantly working at acquiring additional real estate knowledge through a variety of means that include self study?
While practicing, real estate agents are called upon to provide advice on real estate matters. Would you rather deal with one who tells you what they think you want to hear in order to get a listing, or one who truthfully tells you what you need to hear to sell your home? Comox Valley agents use a variety of means to market your home. Given the emergence of the internet as an important medium through which buyers first start to look for a home, would your rather deal with an agent who is internet savvy and has a website that ranks high in internet searches or one who does not have a website (or a website that performs poorly in internet searches)?
Many Comox Valley property agents have a listing presentation that they present to sellers in order to compete for a listing. Would you rather hear from several agents to see how their approaches compare, or merely select one without having seen first hand how they compare to others?
Technology has become increasingly important in real estate. Would you rather deal with an agent who employs technology appropriately and effectively, or one who is technologically challenged?
Personal and professional networks are important in real estate. Would you rather engage an agent who is connected or one who is not?
Thoroughness and attention to detail are often hallmarks of an effective real estate professional. Would you rather deal with an agent who does only what is required by legislation, or one that goes well beyond what is necessary to provide you with great service?
Knowledge is gained over time through education, training and experience. Would you rather deal with an agent who has limited life experience and life skills, or one who has faced and overcome a wide spectrum of challenges in life, and who has highly developed life skills and an extensive breadth and depth of life experience?
While there are exceptions, many real estate transactions are the result of time and exposure in a given market. Would you rather deal with an agent who ensures that you get personalized attention and regular and timely communication from them, or one who only contacts you when they have something to report or not report at all unless you chase them?
Motivation is a very important aspect of real estate. Real estate agents will ask questions to determine the motivation of buyers and sellers, but who is asking questions to determine what motivates the agent? Would you rather deal with an agent motivated by providing service as a top priority, or one whose prime motivation is making money?
Clearly, these are only a few of the many questions that a person could ask themselves when considering a real estate estate to represent them either as a buyer’s or seller’s agent for the purchase or sale of a home. The time taken to think about what is important to you before embarking on this process may be time well spent. Each of us has different standards and expectations. Do your research, ask questions, and talk to several agents before choosing. When I was a young client I did not do this, and I should have. There are some great agents out there. Some are well known and some are not. By better understanding their motivation, life experience, and approach, you will be better informed so that you can hire the one that is right for you.