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Finding the Right Broker

By Guest Author | August 2, 2013

There are unlimited ways to get noticed in today’s marketplace of real estate agents. Many agents and brokers use their franchised brokerage to gain a leg up on the competition from nationwide advertising. This makes sense, otherwise, why bother with name recognition of a big brand name and all those pesky fees and commission splits?

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photo credit: thinkpanama via photopin cc

Newly trained agents as well as experienced agents get bombarded with a vast array of marketing messages. Not only do they need to wade through which brokerage is a good fit, they also have to figure out their person branding, how to run a business, how to figure out how to sell to their peer group, decide if they will achieve a specific professional designation, or to pay exorbitant fees to become a member of an exclusive advertising club.

Clear the Chatter

It becomes difficult to cut through the chatter to find out what really matters when it comes to closing business deals, coordinating real estate transactions and growing a business all based on your personal reputation. For homeowners who are ready to list their property, their search for a reputable agent begins with talking to close family and friends. For others, it is asking neighbors and community members who the best agent is in the local area. Another group, perhaps the more introverted group, will rely on detailed reviews others have posted on such sites as Trulia.com, Homes.com, Zillow.com or similar websites. Some may contact their local Realtor Association and ask about a reference.

Finding Local Experts

Choosing an agent to represent a buyer or home owner goes smoother with a local area expert, with experience related to the individual client’s needs. Many professional agents use official designations exactly for this purpose, to help differentiate themselves among their peers. Unfortunately, the public at large has little hope of understanding the mysterious professional designations that many licensed agents hold, such as an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES).

The Memphis area is graced with an excellent source of top of the line Realtors. MAAP, the Memphis Area Association of Realtors, has not provided data on 2013 rankings to date. The rankings for 2012 Top 5 Brokers indicate the leaders are Crye-Leike Inc, followed by Keller Williams, Bob Leigh & Associates, Realtors LLC, Prudential Collins-Maury Inc, Realtors and finally, Re/Max On Track.

In the end, the final decision on who is the best agent or broker is personal decision. Having 125 listings may sound impressive at first, but agents with this volume typically employ a lot of assistants, who may or may not be as effective (or communicate as well) as the real agent. However, keep in mind that agents with transactions in the triple digits may have wide ranging network of referrals and a very large marketing budget. This can work to a homeowner’s advantage when the time comes to market their home with a top brokerage and listing leader.

 

About the author: J. Kinzle

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