Are you a customer or a valued client?

Where is the true value in some of these new real estate companies who are trying to disrupt the real estate industry? Where are the risks to the end customer? I say customer and not client, there is a big difference in this subtle change of wording.

Customer is simply a buyer trying to make a transaction, any transaction. Could be me buying a stick of gum. A client to me is someone who values your advice, needs guidance and relies on your expertise and skill to navigate the process to a successful end. Lawyers, accountants, doctors and yes the well informed and full time hard working Realtor. We are all in the same group.

Let me ask you, would you get a root canal from a fairly competent dentist, or file your taxes with a somewhat informed accountant? How about if you were in trouble with the law, you seek the best representation possible wouldn't you? If not, then you run the risk all to save a few busks. Those bucks that will come back and haunt you in some cases.

One of my colleagues mentioned last month that the commission is the cheapest part of the transaction in real estate. I can say that might be true in some cases, especially if the agent is a neophyte greenhorn who doesn't have the skill required to effectively negotiate, overcome the challenges and work around the landmines often found in a property transaction.

As the old adage states, "You get what you pay for". Think about that when you are working with your real estate agent. Are you simply a customer or a valued client to the person representing you?

Sadly, these new real estate business models diminish the value provided by an expert. They offer the customer a way to save money but I find the skill of the representing professional completely lacking. How can you trust the most valuable asset in your life to a discount agent who doesn't have the skill, who is not motivated to grow their business, who might not know how to negotiate from a position of strength and clearly to do the very best job for you. Simple answer is you cannot trust it. Especially in San Francisco Bay Area where the values are exceedingly high, where the variety of properties runs the gamut and landmines everywhere. Remember we are talking often of 100 year old wood structures, Co-ops, TIC's, knowing the different neighborhoods, the various complexes, all of these require a higher level of due diligence and knowledge.

Just wanted to share my frustration as I firmly believe that providing highly personalize customer care, along with 20 years of real estate knowledge actually means something. That if you value your own self worth and that you take pride in your work and in your relationships then that will foster greater success. Cheers