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Finding the Right Florida Agent

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HomeSmart

Posted on

Sep 10, 2024

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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“Real Estate Agents are all alike.”

“Realtors? They’re a dime a dozen!” and …

“What do agents really do anyway?”

I do hear these comments, and it does bother me.

Not for the reasons you think … it bothers me because we individual agents haven’t done job number one: introducing ourselves to you and the market as a person, and as a professional. I’m sure if you knew what each agent’s special sauce is – you’d think differently on that dime a dozen comment!

In other words … why should you use me as opposed to doing it yourself or choosing one of the more than 216,000 other licensed agents in Florida?

Let’s first address you DIY’ers … when Greg and I moved from Spring Hill to Bradenton here in Florida, and even selling my home of 23 years in Alpharetta, GA … I was a licensed agent, but not active. I didn’t have access to the MLS, lockboxes, or contracts. I knew enough to pay an active practicing colleague for her valuable service, tools and support. Not only was she able to do background research on the property I was purchasing, but she was also a partner in the transaction and a sounding board in the negotiation process.

Bottom line was that I knew I stood to lose way more than the percentage of the deal that I had agreed to pay her. I knew her knowledge, research and negotiation skills would net me a higher outcome than if I moved forward thinking I had all the answers (even being a licensed agent myself). You see, it was my own property, my investment, and I was – like many buyers and sellers – too close to the transaction to be 100% objective.

So, let’s say I just convinced you to partner with an agent. Who should you choose?

As you might guess, I’m here to make the case that not all agents are alike, and certainly not equal. What sets us apart is who we serve and how we do it. So you, as the consumer, need to be very clear about what your needs are and what you want to accomplish.

So now you’re thinking, “Come on Jude – how am I supposed to know those answers? I don’t even know where to begin!”

When I get a call from someone like you just entering into the market – I ask to meet them, preferably in person in a coffee shop or at their home. I like to spend a little time asking questions and getting to know their story, their vision, their desire, their situation. You see, knowing all of this seemingly “extra” stuff … helps me guide, advise, and add value to their transaction.

If you consider working with an agent to help you buy a property and she just jumps straight to “yes, I’ll show you that property” – you might want to rethink the relationship because she won’t have the insight she needs to be of true service.

Same with if you’re looking for an agent to sell your property. If your first meeting with her is all about what she can do for you and what a stellar agent she is and she skips right over learning your needs wants, desires, time frame and goals … then you’ll be working on her agenda, she’ll be flying blind, and that’s a recipe for disaster.

Bottom line – as much as you need to vet the agent you’re considering, make sure they’re curious about you. (That’s my tip for those of you dating, too!)

LIFE CHANGES ARE HARD. HOME CHANGES DON’T HAVE TO BE.

To view the original version of this article visit judecreamer.com/2024/09/09/finding-the-right-florida-agent/
Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.

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Jude Creamer / HomeSmart

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