Coach Verl Workman writes that developing areas of expertise can improve service, efficiency and effectiveness, and lead to greater career success for both teams and individual agents.
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Imagine walking into a doctor’s office and being greeted by the doctor, who then asks for your insurance information. Or have your GP attempt complex brain surgery. We live in a world where, as consumers, we can choose experts for almost everything we do. .
We shop at specialty food stores and choose doctors who have expertise in the areas we need help with. We then met with a licensed real estate agent who said, “When you choose me, you get me. I do it all. I work with commercial and residential buyers, sellers, investors.” I do leasing and even land transactions. Once the contract is signed, I handle all the paperwork, take my own photos, negotiate, and coordinate everyone involved in the transaction.
Is it possible that sometimes agents do all of these things at the expense of things that are more important to their business and their lives?
I can’t think of a single business that is financially successful, has great revenue, has an owner who has a good work-life balance, and is a one-person company.
If consumers are used to working with experts, why would they want to work with a generalist on what may be their most important purchase?
I know that when you focus on something and do it over and over again, you get better at it than someone who does it occasionally. So, what does this mean in today’s real estate environment?
This means there is ample opportunity for the team to develop and provide services specifically tailored to consumer needs: a team of buyer, listing, showing and management experts.
Specialization is not only a strategic advantage but also a necessary condition for service excellence. For a buyer’s agent, focusing on specific skills can make a big difference. A buyer’s agent has three main jobs: inspecting, showing and selling homes, and negotiating contracts.
Let’s dive into these roles and how team leaders can foster professionalism within their teams.
Prospecting: The art of finding buyers
Prospecting is the lifeblood of any successful buyers agent. It’s about building a pipeline of future opportunities. Picking up the phone every day is hard, but if you don’t answer the phone, what will you be left with?
Do the math:
- 10 hours of exploration time per week
- 20 leads generated
- 2 customers have been locked
- Estimated commission per client is $10,000 (Commissions are negotiable. This is not an attempt to set a price or determine the commission to be paid, just a number for demonstration purposes.)
This means that 10 hours of prospecting could result in a $20,000 commission, making each hour of prospecting worth $2,000 or more. As a team leader, help your agents understand that the hard part of this business is acquiring clients—finding them, scheduling appointments, and signing agreements.
This is the most important thing we do, and most of our time is spent doing other things that are not directly related to money-making activities. Prioritize daily role-playing and structured prospecting time to get your agents into production and watch their future pipeline grow.
If we’re not showing homes or negotiating contracts, we should be prospecting. In a well-functioning team, everything else is done by team members who are experts in these areas.
Showing & Selling Homes: Matching Homes with Buyers
Once you’ve identified potential customers, the next step is to show them homes that meet their criteria. Specialization here requires a deep understanding of buyer needs, local markets and available inventory.
Professional display and sales:
- Deep market knowledge: Agents are encouraged to research local markets. Provides access to reports and data. Schedule regular market update meetings.
- Presentation Skills: Train agents to effectively show homes. Organize mock screenings and feedback sessions.
- Technology application: Take advantage of technology like virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs. Invest in the necessary tools.
- Customer follow-up: Ensure consistent follow-up with clients. Implement follow-up protocols and use CRM systems.
- Build relationships: Build strong relationships with other real estate professionals. Organize social events and collaborations.
Negotiation: Securing the best deal
To excel in negotiations, a buyer’s agent must understand market dynamics, legal implications, and sales psychology.
Understand market dynamics:
- Stay informed: Keep up with local and national real estate trends. This knowledge helps set realistic expectations and make compelling arguments.
- Analyze comparable sales: Use comparisons to justify an offer or counteroffer. Understanding the nuances of comparison provides a solid foundation.
- Understand market cycles: Determine whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Browse the legal implications:
- Understand the contract: Be familiar with all terms and contingencies in a real estate contract.
- Stay compliant: Ensure all negotiations comply with state and federal laws.
- Ask the Experts: Build relationships with real estate attorneys and other legal professionals.
Master the Psychology of Sales:
- Build rapport: Network with listing agents and sellers.
- Understand the motivation: Understand what drives sellers and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Effective communication: Actively listen and clearly articulate the client’s position.
- be patient: Recognize that negotiations may take time. Don’t rush the process.
- Managing emotions: Encourage decisions based on facts rather than emotions.
- Leverage offer: Learn the power of giving and receiving.
- Use silence: Silence can prompt the other party to reveal information or make concessions.
- Be prepared for multiple scenarios: Expect counteroffers and objections. Be prepared to respond to keep the negotiation moving forward.
Specialization within the team is not just about enhancing service; It’s about creating a powerhouse of efficiency and effectiveness. Focusing on prospecting, showing and selling homes, and negotiating, you’ll see buyers’ agents perfect their expertise and deliver exceptional results.
As a team leader, driving these specializations can lead to a more profitable and reputable real estate business. Leverage each team member’s unique abilities to drive the greater good for the team and the clients it serves. With the right support and resources, a professional buyer’s agent can be an invaluable asset, driving success for everyone involved.
It has been said, “Most real estate agents create jobs for themselves; few create their own businesses. Let’s build a business where professionalism drives overall excellence and success.
Verl Workman is the founder and CEO of Workman Success Systems. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Instagram.