Posted on March 07, 2010 by Rogue Agent

Agents are trained salespersons. They are trained to identify clients and discriminate ‘good’ prospects from ‘poor’ ones. Once they’ve identified a good one, they’ll watch for body cues and body language to begin their transformation into a chameleon. They will be come whatever you want them to be while you are still a potential money source. What chance does the typical home buyer or seller have against this slick behavior?

At a minimum, you should be armed with the knowledge of how to identify and characterize the different types of agents you meet. Its not difficult to do. Now, of course my recommendation is not to work with any agent. But if you must… be prepared.

Many agents see themselves as a renaissance agent. This is probably 60% of all agents. Stay away from the renaissance agent. You will be frustrated and you will be disappointed. The renaissance agent is the classic jack of all trades master of none. You ask this person if they cover the north side of town. They don’t hesitate they say ‘yes’. Do you cover the South side of town, near the airport? They smile and say ‘yep. Do you cover the east side beyond the county line? They confidently say ‘yes’. What the renaissance agent is too stupid to realize is that just because you can find your way to a Mickey D’s 25 miles from your home doesn’t mean your an expert in the real estate market in that area. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid. These folks also supposedly understand short sales, foreclosures, single family investment real estate, first time home buyers, vacation home buyers, relocation needs, property management, and any thing else you might want to know. Anything you ask them they confidently tell you they can do it. True mastery comes from focused energy. Some of the most successful agents target one or two areas and only focus on specific types of buyers or sellers. If you find a true specialist, stick with them and you might even change your opinion slightly of real estate agents.

If you meet a renaissance agent run away quickly. Personally, I would rather work with an inexperienced agent that is providing a niche service than work with an ‘experienced’ agent that is all over the place and has no specialty. The niche agent is mastering her craft. She is focused and is concerned about the details. She will do her best. In addition, if her reputation is on the line, she certainly doesn’t want people to hear she is lousy working with first-time home buyers if her business card says, “We make Virgin buyers feel at home”.;) Even the General Practitioner in medicine refers patients to other doctors. Only the renaissance agent believes that she can diagnose, provide the anesthetic, complete the surgery and post op care.

RUN do not WALK away from these AGENTS!