Sherrie Storor: How to become the ’ultimate agent’

How a real estate agent operates has evolved rapidly in the past 10 years. 

The days of real estate mercenaries adhering to super fast churn and burn rates for both transactions and clients is, thankfully, well on the way out.

Agents are swiftly discovering they can have a long, successful and rewarding career if they can escape the 24/7 hustle and grind.

If you are caught deep in the hustle and grind lifestyle, the time to change is NOW.

Why?

Your marketplace’s behaviours and expectations have changed.

Buyers and sellers are looking for an agent who is with them every step of the way in their property journey. 

They want an agent who is trustworthy and knowledgeable, not just on property prices but on extracurriculars such as how they can improve their property to increase value, the best marketing products to invest in and much more.

Clients, previous and new, want an agent that is well-connected with their database and, most of all, because you are selling their biggest asset, they want to like and connect with you.

To be the ‘ultimate agent,’ you need to meet your audience – buyers and sellers – where they are at in their journey, their expectations and their behaviours.

And those expectations are high.

Buyers and sellers have greater access to more information than ever before, and they are usually well-researched before they speak to you. They need an agent who can tell them what they don’t know but need to, rather than what they already know.

They also expect fast response times and have a low tolerance for being ‘played’ by their chosen agent.

On top of all of that, they want to feel special and important. And I understand why – they are entrusting you with their greatest asset. The one thing of highest value to them. 

They want to feel confident you are the right person to handle the sale or purchase on their behalf, and they want to feel like you are there to support them every step of the way.

And that’s where the difference between being a regular agent and an ‘ultimate agent’ comes in. 

The devil is in the detail because being an ‘ultimate agent’ is about so much more than just creating an attraction model business. Being an ultimate agent is not about one thing, but everything you do.

The following attributes are those of an ‘ultimate agent’:

• An ‘ultimate agent’ operates from two strong databases – working their everyday CRM and social media (Yes! This is a database!)

• An ‘ultimate agent’ dedicates time to build relationships within their circle of influence – within the industry, with suppliers and relevant networks.

• An ‘ultimate agent’ excels in presenting their listings for sale and the whole way through the process. This includes recommending upgrades, styling, photography and copywriting, custom marketing plans, property PR and running exceptional open homes.

• An ‘ultimate agent’ is process-driven. They have a process to follow for each stage of the business, ensuring a consistent level of service is provided every time, and nothing is missed.

• An ‘ultimate agent’ knows the value of PR for the property and their own brand, and builds relationships with those who can edify them.

• An ‘ultimate agent’ invests in personal marketing, including print, outdoor, letterbox drops, social media and getting involved in their community.

• An ‘ultimate agent’ provides exceptional service in every stage of their business and every person they connect with, from buyers to sellers, suppliers and colleagues.

• An ‘ultimate agent’ is always on a mission to be the best agent they can be. They are constantly learning and looking for ways to improve themselves and what they do.

Those agents who dedicate time in 2022 to levelling up and becoming an ‘ultimate agent’ will overtake the current market leaders. 

So, are you ready to set yourself apart from the crowd and become an ‘ultimate agent’?

*Originally published on sherriestoror.com and republished here with permission.