The Three P’s of Choosing A Real Estate Agent (or “Is That Really You?”)
A male co-worker where I used to work was showing off a new photo of his girlfriend. She was stunning, and – for lack of a better way to say this – he was not. Nobody could figure out why such a beautiful woman would choose our stunningly below-average looking friend. Later, at the office Christmas party, we all discovered what a great tool Photoshop really is. A little air-brushing (or a lot) and the right lighting can, apparently, make anyone look beautiful.
I had a similar experience with a real estate agent recently. I had seen her photo several times, but had never met her in person. When I did, I was suprised that she didn’t look anything in-person like her photograph. It wasn’t that she had aged, or had changed her hair style – she didn’t even remotely look like the same person in the photograph.
Now, I certainly understand the value of making a good first impression, and the value of good professional photography, but surely there’s a line somewhere.
I would much rather work with someone with a few blemishes, but who knew their stuff, than with a facade. If I had to pick my top two criteria for hiring an agent they would be Professionalism and Personality.
A professional knows their stuff, works in real estate as a full-time occupation, and they have the education and experience to represent their clients best interests and gain their trust.
A good personality is essential because I have to get along with the professional I rely on. Real estate transactions can get emotional – I need someone who can deal with the highs and lows of the deal, deal effectively with the other parties involved, and to keep me focused.
At the very bottom of my list of criteria for choosing a real estate agent would be Photoshop.
So, if you have a home for sale and are interviewing real estate agents (or if you’re an agent heading to the photo studio), remember the three P’s:
- Professionalism
- Personality
- and then Photoshop.
We can’t all be beautiful.
| Posted by: JLW Find or list real estate for sale at SearchTheJungle.com Copyright © 2009 SearchTheJungle.com |
