Hands On The Heartland
Checking The Pulse Of The Kansas City Real Estate Market
Let’s be honest, it’s not all that hard to become a Realtor in Kansas City and in other parts of the country for that matter. Spend a week studying, take the exam and you’re off and running. That’s how I did it 15 years ago and how I assume most other real estate agents do it as well. From there though a startling 80% of agents drop out within a year. That means 80% of people who jump in thinking that selling real estate is easy, find out it’s not. The 20% who make it past the first year quickly start to distinguish themselves from each other. I certainly run my business different from many agents. I’m candid, not wishy-washy. I tell my clients the truth even when it hurts — even when it costs me business. My job is helping guide people in making their real estate decisions and, if I do that well, I’ll close enough transactions to make a living.
Recently I was talking at the water cooler with a fellow agent I respect and we were discussing how rough it is for sellers out there. After eaves-dropping for a while, another agent asked if all we had to share was bad news. I turned to her and asked if she was aware that for the past 12 months, in every one of the primary cities I work, there had been MORE homes coming on the market than home Sold. (Read: even more competition hitting the market for home sellers.) I shared with her a few of our area market statistics before she interrupted to say that she’d rather look on the bright side of things. Well, I can appreciate that in a person. However if my financial planner gives me advice through rose colored glasses, how does that help me? I guess a pep talk could have me feeling better until my next investment statement arrives in my inbox. You see, I want the TRUTH, even when it hurts.
Speaking of the “truth”, it’s a fact that many home sellers in Kansas City right now want to work with an agent who makes them feel better about their situation. I understand this is a stressful time for many who own real estate and are facing a possible Short Sale, Foreclosure or have had to give up important things in life to keep up with their house payments. But I’ll get out of the business before someone can convince me that a real estate agent’s primary job is to make the client feel better. That perception is ridiculous to me. If I’m selling a home out-of-state, I’d want an agent who works hard for me and who has an in-depth knowledge of the area so they can give me the best possible advice. I want an agent who has statistics to back up their assertions. I want an agent who has the online presence to help me succeed and online tools that simplify the process. I’d want an agent who is organized, easy to communicate with and who understands my goals. But most importantly, I’d want an agent who doesn’t own a pair of rose-colored glasses.
Posted by Jason A. Brown
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