Comments on: The Super Agent http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/ Seattle's Leading Resource for Real Estate Information Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:20:19 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: BloodhoundBlog - The weblog of BloodhoundRealty.com, an exceptional-service residential real estate brokerage in Metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-14396 BloodhoundBlog - The weblog of BloodhoundRealty.com, an exceptional-service residential real estate brokerage in Metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. Mon, 28 Aug 2006 22:19:19 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-14396 [...] Our disagreement (not an argument, more like an ongoing debate) specifically dealt with Greg’s comment on a recent meeting of a local association of Realtors, called to discuss the slow seller’s market in the valley southeast of Phoenix. I argued that without having been there to hear the real-time conversations, Greg couldn’t possibly know the motivations of the meeting participants. Had I been involved with this association, I might have attended the meeting, if I thought I could have come away with any good ideas to help my selling clients. I argued that by drawing assumptions on the character and motivations of the individuals who attended, Greg was behaving no better than the silly bubble bloggers who toss out small minded remarks at real estate agents like ignorant “witch” burners of old slung mud balls at ancient widows, like bratty kids tease abandoned cats today… senselessly, and with mean spirit. Why, I had even ribbed Seattle Eric for making broad assumptions. No way was I going to settle for Greg to not “do better.” [...] [...] Our disagreement (not an argument, more like an ongoing debate) specifically dealt with Greg’s comment on a recent meeting of a local association of Realtors, called to discuss the slow seller’s market in the valley southeast of Phoenix. I argued that without having been there to hear the real-time conversations, Greg couldn’t possibly know the motivations of the meeting participants. Had I been involved with this association, I might have attended the meeting, if I thought I could have come away with any good ideas to help my selling clients. I argued that by drawing assumptions on the character and motivations of the individuals who attended, Greg was behaving no better than the silly bubble bloggers who toss out small minded remarks at real estate agents like ignorant “witch” burners of old slung mud balls at ancient widows, like bratty kids tease abandoned cats today… senselessly, and with mean spirit. Why, I had even ribbed Seattle Eric for making broad assumptions. No way was I going to settle for Greg to not “do better.” [...]

]]> By: The San Diego Home Blog » Blog Archive » Don’t Put Words in My Mouth http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12882 The San Diego Home Blog » Blog Archive » Don’t Put Words in My Mouth Wed, 23 Aug 2006 14:18:04 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12882 [...] I see a parallel between this and the super-sized agent phenomenon that was the subject of some spirited discussion recently at the RCG. More agents have begun adopting the team business model wherein you have your front man, or woman, and a cast of thousands working in support who actually perform the tasks of showing, negotiating, coordinating escrow, etc… A brokerage within a brokerage, if you will. I am not even on the fence on this issue. Steve and I have shunned the Walmart approach to real estate for years. If you hire me, you should get me. As a consumer, I would find it unacceptable to hire Agent X but have my MLS printout read “call Agent Y with all questions and offers” (an all too common occurrence in our market). Sure, this approach may allow Agent X to service more transactions, but it will not allow that agent to serve more people (remember, the guys that hired you?). But, I suppose it is these same super-sized agents that are far too busy or important to blog, and fearing they may miss the blogging bandwagon but lacking the knowledge to get started, the desire to learn, or simply the desire, find it acceptable to delegate responsibility. I refuse to assign responsibility for my clients to another, as I don’t believe that is in my clients’ best interests, and I certainly am not ready to have others do my online talking. We blog for many reasons. Most will likely agree that what started as a don’t-miss-the-boat endeavor, a quasi-commercial venture cloaked in non-commercial sheep’s clothing has evolved into something entirely different. Those of us that spend our time blogging have found an outlet for our opinions (group therapy, if you will), and believe that the forum allows us to not only interact with our industry peers, but expand our knowledge by benefiting from their varying ideas and perspectives while sharing information and insight with past, present and future clients. It’s rewarding to think that someone might actually be reading this, but if a blog falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it… It really doesn’t matter. I’m having fun. And no one is putting words in my mouth. [...] [...] I see a parallel between this and the super-sized agent phenomenon that was the subject of some spirited discussion recently at the RCG. More agents have begun adopting the team business model wherein you have your front man, or woman, and a cast of thousands working in support who actually perform the tasks of showing, negotiating, coordinating escrow, etc… A brokerage within a brokerage, if you will. I am not even on the fence on this issue. Steve and I have shunned the Walmart approach to real estate for years. If you hire me, you should get me. As a consumer, I would find it unacceptable to hire Agent X but have my MLS printout read “call Agent Y with all questions and offers” (an all too common occurrence in our market). Sure, this approach may allow Agent X to service more transactions, but it will not allow that agent to serve more people (remember, the guys that hired you?). But, I suppose it is these same super-sized agents that are far too busy or important to blog, and fearing they may miss the blogging bandwagon but lacking the knowledge to get started, the desire to learn, or simply the desire, find it acceptable to delegate responsibility. I refuse to assign responsibility for my clients to another, as I don’t believe that is in my clients’ best interests, and I certainly am not ready to have others do my online talking. We blog for many reasons. Most will likely agree that what started as a don’t-miss-the-boat endeavor, a quasi-commercial venture cloaked in non-commercial sheep’s clothing has evolved into something entirely different. Those of us that spend our time blogging have found an outlet for our opinions (group therapy, if you will), and believe that the forum allows us to not only interact with our industry peers, but expand our knowledge by benefiting from their varying ideas and perspectives while sharing information and insight with past, present and future clients. It’s rewarding to think that someone might actually be reading this, but if a blog falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it… It really doesn’t matter. I’m having fun. And no one is putting words in my mouth. [...]

]]> By: ARDELL http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12470 ARDELL Mon, 21 Aug 2006 23:02:15 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12470 Eric, A little surprised you didn't ask how I sold and closed it with the owner dying in the middle of the listing. Just want to know how to "lead an orgainization, model it for success, and get paid handsomely for it." Maybe I need to do 100 ways "it's broken..." Like when an Office Manager tells me I sell my listings too well because she needs some lingering on market ones to advertise the company with...only time I was ever "fired" in my life, and because I did my work "too well"...the owner hired me back in 10 minutes as soon as he heard what happened, but... We make the big bucks to work for the client, not to hire a bunch of people to do our work for us. Eric, A little surprised you didn’t ask how I sold and closed it with the owner dying in the middle of the listing. Just want to know how to “lead an orgainization, model it for success, and get paid handsomely for it.” Maybe I need to do 100 ways “it’s broken…” Like when an Office Manager tells me I sell my listings too well because she needs some lingering on market ones to advertise the company with…only time I was ever “fired” in my life, and because I did my work “too well”…the owner hired me back in 10 minutes as soon as he heard what happened, but…

We make the big bucks to work for the client, not to hire a bunch of people to do our work for us.

]]> By: Naples Florida Real Estate http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12448 Naples Florida Real Estate Mon, 21 Aug 2006 19:07:19 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12448 I'm assuming you're speaking mostly of brokerages that are "100%" companies? I'm in the <a href="http://www.chrisfarrugia.com" title="Naples Florida Real Estate" rel="nofollow">Naples Florida real estate</a> market and I have had nothing but positive support from my brokerage. The culture at our company is to support those around you, lend a hand when your colleagues need it, and make sure everyone is well informed. By doing these things as a team, our reputation as a brokerage rises in the community. I’m assuming you’re speaking mostly of brokerages that are “100%” companies? I’m in the Naples Florida real estate market and I have had nothing but positive support from my brokerage. The culture at our company is to support those around you, lend a hand when your colleagues need it, and make sure everyone is well informed. By doing these things as a team, our reputation as a brokerage rises in the community.

]]> By: seattleeric http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12422 seattleeric Mon, 21 Aug 2006 15:56:40 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12422 By the way...I LOVE what you, Greg et al have done with Bloodhound! The innovation you've introduced will help you gain the edge as the market moves down. By the way…I LOVE what you, Greg et al have done with Bloodhound! The innovation you’ve introduced will help you gain the edge as the market moves down.

]]> By: seattleeric http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12421 seattleeric Mon, 21 Aug 2006 15:55:12 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12421 Cathleen: I never meant for 'mom and pop' to come across as pejorative. In the context of my Walmart analogy, 'mom and pop' is an oft used term to describe the smaller businesses. Sounds like you and Greg are more like McLendon Hardware....multiple locations, but not big box. :) Cathleen:

I never meant for ‘mom and pop’ to come across as pejorative. In the context of my Walmart analogy, ‘mom and pop’ is an oft used term to describe the smaller businesses. Sounds like you and Greg are more like McLendon Hardware….multiple locations, but not big box. :)

]]> By: Cathleen Collins http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12419 Cathleen Collins Mon, 21 Aug 2006 15:48:45 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12419 Eric, I think you guilty of that which you accused Ardell, which is lumping together an entire category and generalizing on its individuals' character, motivation, beliefs. Greg and I are indeed a 'mom and pop' brokerage, but not for the reasons you mention, nor do we share the point of view you ascribe to businesses our size. You are comparing the traditonal business model to a scaled super agent business, as if consumers have only two choices. We entered this business probably like you... recognizing that we can use technology to create a different business model, one that is client focused <I>and</I> scalable. You describe your vision of this here... now go create it! That's what we're doing. Eric,
I think you guilty of that which you accused Ardell, which is lumping together an entire category and generalizing on its individuals’ character, motivation, beliefs. Greg and I are indeed a ‘mom and pop’ brokerage, but not for the reasons you mention, nor do we share the point of view you ascribe to businesses our size. You are comparing the traditonal business model to a scaled super agent business, as if consumers have only two choices. We entered this business probably like you… recognizing that we can use technology to create a different business model, one that is client focused and scalable. You describe your vision of this here… now go create it! That’s what we’re doing.

]]> By: ARDELL http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12282 ARDELL Mon, 21 Aug 2006 06:36:41 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12282 Gordon, Without the details...what kind of general ethics issues surfaced? Gordon,

Without the details…what kind of general ethics issues surfaced?

]]> By: Gordon http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12142 Gordon Sun, 20 Aug 2006 19:59:52 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12142 Eric makes some good points here. I basically learned the ropes of the business by working for one of the so-called "superagents" and in terms of a training ground, that was probably the best way to learn - total immersion into all aspects of the business, high volume of deals being done by the team on a monthly basis equated to lots of transactions to learn from, the opportunity to learn more in a year or 2 than a normal agent might learn in 5-10 years, hands-on training from a top producer, the excitment of doing a lot of deals and making a little money along the way, etc. It was the education of a lifetime in a way, and I've frequently advised new agents that it's one of the best ways to learn and learn fast. But in my case at least, it also led to burnout, resentment, and ultimately separation after I got enough experience and insight to start questioning the way things were being done. And as jcricket pointed out, the level of service often suffers because the superstars frequently spend most of their time, marketing, and attention trying to generate new leads/clients rather than taking care of the existing clients. As a result, the team I was on got shockingly few referrals or repeat business when compared to the overall numbers we were generating. In the end, it was as much about learning what NOT to do as it was about learning what TO do. I couldn't stand that constant dissonance, and eventually decided to go it alone. Certain ethical issues and challenges also contributed to my leaving, but that's another story for another day. But the education in itself was priceless. Eric makes some good points here. I basically learned the ropes of the business by working for one of the so-called “superagents” and in terms of a training ground, that was probably the best way to learn – total immersion into all aspects of the business, high volume of deals being done by the team on a monthly basis equated to lots of transactions to learn from, the opportunity to learn more in a year or 2 than a normal agent might learn in 5-10 years, hands-on training from a top producer, the excitment of doing a lot of deals and making a little money along the way, etc.

It was the education of a lifetime in a way, and I’ve frequently advised new agents that it’s one of the best ways to learn and learn fast. But in my case at least, it also led to burnout, resentment, and ultimately separation after I got enough experience and insight to start questioning the way things were being done.

And as jcricket pointed out, the level of service often suffers because the superstars frequently spend most of their time, marketing, and attention trying to generate new leads/clients rather than taking care of the existing clients. As a result, the team I was on got shockingly few referrals or repeat business when compared to the overall numbers we were generating.

In the end, it was as much about learning what NOT to do as it was about learning what TO do. I couldn’t stand that constant dissonance, and eventually decided to go it alone. Certain ethical issues and challenges also contributed to my leaving, but that’s another story for another day.

But the education in itself was priceless.

]]> By: seattleeric http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12116 seattleeric Sun, 20 Aug 2006 16:48:13 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/08/19/the-super-agent/#comment-12116 Great points. Substitute Target or Costco in place of Walmart, and can't a scaleable, client service business work? If a super agent were to put client service as his business' most important value, wouldn't this work? I worked for an Internet advertising agency for 9 years. As a start up, we could give clients lots of attention. As we grew, client service remained our company's number one value, and we were able to scale while providing good service (there were hiccups, of course, but the problems were quickly corrected by focusing on our core values. I agree. There are some super agents that you see on billboards and that seem solely to be marketing machines. However, I have to believe that there are many who have succeeded in keeping a focus on client service as they grown. Just as there are individual agents who are both good and bad at client service, the same is probably true at the super agent level. Great points. Substitute Target or Costco in place of Walmart, and can’t a scaleable, client service business work? If a super agent were to put client service as his business’ most important value, wouldn’t this work? I worked for an Internet advertising agency for 9 years. As a start up, we could give clients lots of attention. As we grew, client service remained our company’s number one value, and we were able to scale while providing good service (there were hiccups, of course, but the problems were quickly corrected by focusing on our core values.

I agree. There are some super agents that you see on billboards and that seem solely to be marketing machines. However, I have to believe that there are many who have succeeded in keeping a focus on client service as they grown.

Just as there are individual agents who are both good and bad at client service, the same is probably true at the super agent level.

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