15 CHARACTERISTICS OF A HOMELIFE® HIGHER STANDARDS REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Modified article form HomeLife Corporate Site
1. Higher Standards Agents
really know what they want to accomplish.
We are success oriented with a clear vision of what we want for our business, short and long term. Once we set our expectations, we define our goals and plan our activities. We constantly reevaluate our approach to business, review and fine tune our goals regularly so that our vision is really a work in progress that can be adjusted or changed as markets shift or change. The prominent point is that our vision is compelling and is something that we feel passionate about.
2. Higher Standards Agents
do not just make sales. We build our practices.
We understand that in order to have a successful real estate career, we must systemize the process of achieving our goals. In doing this, we are able to take time off without losing control of our business. We are masters at time management, are incredibly organized and are able to delegate the "busy" tasks and focus on "productive" activities. Our database of contacts is our priority which we nurture, building trust and confidence with prospects who know us and are familiar with our Higher Standards™ of real estate service. Over time, our real estate business shows incremental but consistent improvement and provides us with a retirement strategy. Our goal is to create a "real estate practice" that we can sell. Our real estate business provides lifetime security for us and our families. 3. Higher Standards Agents
specialize and concentrate on specific target markets.
We are not trying to be all things to all people and realize that the days of being a generalist are past. Instead, we have identified three or four areas that are a fit for our skills, experience and personality. Perhaps it is a geographical focus or farm, or maybe a type of property such as Commercial or Platinum properties. As a highly skilled real estate agent, we choose to work with people we like and with whom we have interests in common. The trust level is already or much more easily established and there is a magnetic attraction that happens when we are relaxed and happy with our clientele. 4. Higher Standards Agents
are very good at managing their time and their priorities.
We understand that having a vision and a plan is our starting point and that real achievement comes from implementation. As such, we maintain clarity and focus on getting the best payoff for our invested time. We put first things first and choose high leverage activities, like maintaining contact with people in our database, rather than allowing ourselves to be distracted by office gossip and water cooler complaints. We have a dollar-productive mindset and are resolutely committed to our daily productivity plan. We are self-propelled, do not need hand holding and realize that discipline is the key to making the most of our time. 5. Higher Standards Agents
are early adopters - they are technology oriented.
We realize that in order to compete in this highly competitive market, we must deliver our Higher Standards™ service at a level consistent with our clients' expectations. We do not wait until we are forced to learn new technology but are an early adapters. By taking advantage of modern technology, we are able to facilitate the real estate process and systemize our businesses. We have mastered computer skills, implementing a word processing programs for letters; a publishing program to create flyers and marketing materials; an internet site rich in valuable real estate information; a database program integrated with an email program to maintain contact with our clients; and finally, a financial management system to track our budget. It is not necessary to have the latest technology, but be competent on the tools that we do have. 6. Higher Standards Agents
understand that their primary objective is MARKETING.
As a leading real estate professionals, we are not only sales-minded but are primarily business and marketing focused. We understand that attracting business is a lot more rewarding than constantly chasing the next deal. As such, we have a compelling marketing plan that truly defines our unique selling proposition and incorporates the entire portfolio of HomeLife® innovative, affordable marketing systems. Although we provide impeccable service, it does not matter if we are not given the opportunity to show what we can do. Consequently, our powerful business development plan is designed to keep us visible and accessible in the marketplace. 7. Higher Standards Agents
bond with their prospects and follow-up religiously.
Effective marketing is the key to attracting leads but effective follow-up is the key to converting those leads into successful transactions. Our computerized database program is our key to maintaining contact with our prospects who are not now ready, willing or able to buy/sell real estate but who will be sometime in the future. By maintaining contact with our qualified leads, we build trust, rapport and confidence in our service. Remember the rule of seven: Our prospects must hear from us at least seven times before they focus on us and pay attention to our message. We are patient, dedicated and never give up on our leads. People prefer to deal with professionals whom they know, like, trust, and who do not drop the ball. 8. Higher Standards Agents
have high integrity, a healthy ego and an optimistic attitude.
We are winners and expect to win. We believe that we can achieve anything once we put our mind to it. Our healthy ego is critical to having faith and confidence in our ideas to grow into a peak performer. We mentally visualize real estate situations and practice our response to each of these situations. Therefore, we are not afraid of objections but realize the enormous benefit of displaying confidence in our face-to-face interactions. We compete on value, not price and visibly demonstrate our value to our clients. We are committed to Higher Standards™ and accept nothing less from ourselves or others. 9. Higher Standards Agents
build a powerful network of very influential people.
We are proactively involved in networking with influential people, as well as, building and maintaining relationships within our community. We volunteer to sit on local boards, participate in local events and charitable causes where the other big players are found. We are recognized and appreciated for our hard-working attitude and high-quality service. As such, we have a large sphere of influence from which we receive high-level referrals and powerful testimonials. It is not only who we know but more importantly, who knows us. 10. Higher Standards Agents
work harder. They under-promise and over-deliver.
We have high values. Ethics is our way of life. We do not take shortcuts but instead, strive to do things to the highest of standards. We recognize that our business reputation is based upon making the effort to include the small courtesies and favors needed to make a transaction flow smoothly for our clients. We go the extra mile practicing patience, integrity and hard work, never settling for anything less than the best. We are completely dedicated to Higher Standards™ in all our real estate activities. 11. Higher Standards Agents
are great communicators and above all, active listeners.
We are a patient communicators who asks pertinent questions and acknowledge the answers in our quest to determine the needs and desires of your clients. Listening is a learned skill that we practice continually. We are a truth teller, communicating to our clients information that is based on facts and market statistics rather than simply what we believe our client wants to hear. 12. Higher Standards Agents
constantly invest in self-development.
We are the most important asset in our real estate business. As such, we are an information omnivores focused on constant and never-ending improvement. We always read, attend seminars, listen to audio programs, participate in continuing educational programs and exchange ideas with our colleagues. We monitor the market from many angles and solicit feedback so that we can fine tune our business practices. We work continually to find the best path to achievement. 13. Higher Standards Agents
are very familiar with their local real estate rules and regulations.
Success in real estate sales comes to those who take the time and effort to become professionals. This means that we have current knowledge of all local, provincial, and national guidelines and our performance honors the letter and the spirit of those laws. Knowledge of the rules, regulations and ethical standards requires constant attention to changes in the laws or changing judicial interpretations of existing laws. There is no wiggle room in the requirement to know and obey our local real estate rules, regulations and ethical standards. 14. Higher Standards Agents
practice extreme self care.
We are masters at aligning our priorities of family and personal enrichment with our real estate schedule. Being a top producer is more than having high production. It is honoring what is really important with respect to family life, relationships, children, physical health, mental health and spiritual well-being. It is all about creating balance in our life and knowing that without it, our career, our health and even our relationships will suffer. Success is the building and maintaining of spiritual, physical, philosophical, psychological and financial goals. 15. Higher Standards Agents
continually raise their standards.
Excellence means that we set the highest standards for ourselves in everything that you do. We do our very best in every situation and under all circumstances. We constantly strive to be better in our work and as a person in our relationships. We recognize that excellence is a life-long journey and we work every day to become better in everything that we do.We continually raise our standards by increasing our skills thus raising the bar at every opportunity. We implement change into our systems, procedures and habits. We consciously watch for opportunities to excel. Our focus on daily excellence brings our results beyond our original vision. We are a HomeLife® Higher Standards Real Estate Professionals. Return to top of Higher Standards Agents page.
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