What do you Want from Me?

Most of you want help just finding the right house according to the Dec. 2011 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors and compiled by the Texas Association of Realtors.

When asked what they want more from real estate agents, Texas buyers said:

• 47% Help find the right home to purchase
• 14% Help buyer negotiate the terms of sale
• 12% Help with the price negotiations
• 10% Determine what comparable homes were selling for
• 6% Help with paperwork
• 5% Help determining how much home buyer can afford
• 2% Help find and arrange financing
• 2% other

The survey asked Texas sellers what they want most from real estate agents. Here is how they ranked their importance:

• 23% Help seller market the home to potential buyers
• 22% Help sell the home within a specific time frame
• 18% Help find a buyer for the home
• 15% Help price the home competitively
• 14% Help find ways to fix up the home to sell it for more
• 4% Help with negotiation and dealing with buyers
• 4% all other responses

And another interesting set of statistics: What Texas home buyers said were the most important factors when choosing an agent:

• 26% Agent is honest and trustworthy
• 20% Reputation of agent
• 19% Agent is a friend or family member
• 14% Agent's knowledge of the neighborhood
• 14% Agent has a caring personality/is a good listener
• 3% Agent's association with a particular firm
• 2% Professional designations held by agent
• 3% other

While I can't beat out the family member, I fit the other requirements.

Interesting to note that the abilities listed in the survey of what people want in a Realtor aren't at the top of the list of the most important factors when they actually choose an agent. Honesty, trust, reputation and personal relationship come ahead of actual skills.