Perhaps the MOST important thing when working with a real estate agent is to have a solid degree of trust in the relationship. As I see it, there are a few key elements that all together comprise this intangible thing called trust.
- Do you trust that they are letting you in on all the information about all of the homes available on the market? Well, you can now trust but verify that through your own internet searches. Didn’t always used to be that way.
- Do you trust that they know the market and know a good value when they see it? Again, you can verify that yourself also, but there is more judgement involved in answering this question.
- Do you believe they are looking out for your best interests, helping you to decide on the best house, the best neighborhood, the best whatever, for you in your own individual circumstance?
- Do you trust they know what the *bleep* they are doing when they work through all the contractual paperwork with you? Do they know the contract well enough to advise you on how to fill it out in such a way that it protects your interests AND gets you the house?
- Do you trust that they can deal effectively throughout the process of getting you from offer to settlement table? There are so many details that need to be attended to along the way it is imperative that your agent get you successfully through the entire process.
- Do you trust that they are negotiating fully on your behalf, not on behalf of the deal?
- Do you trust that they can act quickly when necessary?
- Do you trust that they will be there for you even after you’ve moved in?
Mutual trust represents the ideal relationship between me and my client. Your agent ought to be someone you respect and trust, attributes that derive from the character and competence of the person representing you. I just stumbled upon the Stephen Covey website about trust and leadership, and what I briefly read there sums it up pretty well.
Unfortunately, not everyone likes to give trust a chance. Oh, I agree it’s fine to be skeptical, make someone work to earn your trust, be a little prudent. However, in the end I sincerely think people can fall into one of two groups: those who tend to think that other people are good and that something can be learned from others, and those who are highly distrustful of everyone and anything, all the time. It’s closed thinking, probably with cause, but still.
If a client doesn’t trust me, because honestly they don’t trust anyone, it’s very hard to work for them. I will never do things right, doesn’t matter what I really do. When a client trusts me, and I trust them, it’s a beautiful thing that brings peace of mind and satisfaction to all involved. I work very hard to earn your trust every day, and in the end I tell all my clients that I’m working for their recommendation, which can only be given after you trust me. That is my true reward.
