Real Estate Agents Have To Be Psychologists, Mediators, And Marriage Counselors.
The headline of this post says it all. As real estate agents, your role in selling a home has progressed from just showing homes to desperate buyers as it was in 2005 to full blown counselors. The pressure on buyers to get a good deal and sellers to hold on to equity while selling their home is tremendous.
All the while foreclosures and short sales are driving the market nuts.
So when Atlanta real estate agent Mike Wright made the quote I paraphrased for the headline, I can see agents across the country nodding their heads.
For the true real estate professionals though, this is a good thing. It will drive out the amateurs from the profession as the work, and skill, needed to close a deal will be too great.
So to you pro’s out there, being a counselor is your best skill trying to steer your clients through the emotional battlefield that is selling and buying a home in this market.
Spring traditionally is the time when home sales reawaken. Buyers plunk down earnest money now so they can move their families during the summer when school is out.
But the 2009 market is in a stupor. Sales and sale prices are well below what they were a year ago, and short sales and foreclosures are more prevalent. Buyers want deep discounts, triggering seller consternation.
“The buyers’ expectations of getting a bargain are leading to numerous unrealistically low offers,” Mike Wright, managing broker at Prudential Georgia Realty Midtown, said. As a result, “we are seeing a lot of sellers fatigue. They have adjusted the price to a level often below what they paid for the property and the buyers are demanding more. Real estate agents now have to act as psychologists, mediators and sometimes marriage counselors.” via ajc.com.
Montreal Canada. L`ile bizard. Large private mansion with concrete pool, sauna, nested in woods. with 6 large garages ...
Great points Tom - the flavor of the day solution is only adding to the instability and volatility.
When Washington ...
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cont from above post.....
please contact me via e-mail if interested in the home listed
above.
jonieckstrom@yahoo.com 
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Comment by Paul Barrow on 25 March 2009:
How true it is. Because of all the reasons you mention, I have found over time that I much prefer to work with investors rather than residential buyers/sellers. Its just about numbers instead of emotions with investors.
Paul Barrow
Denver, CO
Comment by Portland Real Estate on 25 March 2009:
Good post, and very good points brought up. Its interesting how different your job can be depending on the situation of your seller/buyer
Comment by Kelly on 25 March 2009:
If the Real Estate agent has really got it together they’ll start by asking the buyer what types of houses they have lived in before their current search. This shapes all of our attitudes toward purchasing a new home. I know the features I liked (and didn’t) from the previous places that I’ve called home.
Comment by Ivan Crago Missoula Realtor on 25 March 2009:
I just had this same conversation in the office yesterday after getting off the phone with a client. Houses are only a small part of the business, and so many things can stop a transaction from getting to closing.
Comment by Milwaukee Condoman on 26 March 2009:
Real Estate Agents converted to Psychologists, Mediators and Marriage Counselors in 1 will that something really interesting. But I think realtors should not think of just making a sale but as well as a person who will extend help especially to his or her clients and build a good relationship.
Comment by Kevin Schmidtchen on 27 March 2009:
I agree with all that is mentioned in this article. I have been told that I have the perfect mix of parents to become a Realtor. My father owns his own CPA firm and my mother is a Therapist. These attributes are often in need as a Realtor.
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Comment by FLGREENLIVING on 30 March 2009:
I agree with the subject of this column. Thanks for this helpful tip! very helpful information.. I’ll visit this site often.. Thanks again.
flgreenliving
Miami, FL
Comment by Dan Simon - Charleston SC Real Estate on 30 March 2009:
Very good points – thanks for sharing. Buying or selling – your Realtor is your advocate, your advisor, your negotiator, and your confidante throughout the entire process.