Nobody likes real estate agents!
We probably all know an agent whom we like, sure, but when they think about this business as a whole, real estate agents are not well liked and there are some pretty good reasons for that. This story is a perfect illustration.
Just when you thought the real estate industry couldn’t earn a lower reputation than it already has, this happens.
The headline reads, "Grieving family approached by realtors after funeral"
A man loses his 72-year old wife and shortly after her death he receives what “looked like a card expressing condolences.” In it, two business cards and a note that reads, “We’re sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Please let us know if we can help in any way with your real estate needs when the time is right.”
I mean, WTF? Right?
Truly cringe worthy.
But is it shocking?
Hardly, and that’s unfortunate in itself.
I doubt that too many people will actually be surprised to hear that a real estate agent would do such a thing, seemingly oblivious to the fact that this could not possibly be seen as anything but selfishness, masquerading as kindness.
I’m certainly embarrassed by it, but shocked? No, not really.
Unfortunately, a culture that focuses primarily on getting the sale does little to help agents develop business acumen. Pretty much every bit of training offered in this business is focused on one thing, closing the sale. Present, close, use your scripts kids.
Earlier this year, our national association’s own commissioned study found, “A growing number of incompetent, poorly trained, or part-time salespeople destroy industry credibility,” as one of it’s largest concerns.
I bet that's not news to you, though, right? It's a problem that's been hounding us for years with little progress. Perhaps studies like this one will move our industry to address these shortcomings. The public deserves better.
We’ll talk about this problem more in the weeks ahead.
Norm
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