The Agent Trainer

This is me goofing off with my flip video, talking about why REALTOR® Associations should be using video to reach their members.

I am a huge fan of politics, mainly because it makes for some of the funniest SNL skits. There is always a little bit of truth in humor - that’s why I think this is the CNN clip that should have been shown:

Putting Lipstick on a Pig

After writing a post on www.AgentGenius.com , I had several conversations, by Twitter, Facebook and Skype regarding the concept of "Consultant."   Lots of folks that I talk to, I respect very much, but also disagree with.  Most often I found that those using the term, were doing so to distance themselves from the public opinion of a "REALTOR®" or a "Salesperson".  Either way, it’s deceptive to a degree.  When you are trying to be perceived as something other than what you are - is it honest?

Death of a Salesmen?

In most cases, individuals are licensed as a Real Estate Salesperson.  That’s what you are.  Perhaps you’re a "Broker" but at the heart of the issue, you are selling your knowledge, you access to information, your skill set, etc…   Agents may feel like that’s not what you do, but essentially you are "selling" homes, land, pad sites and so on.  Why not start by trying to prove that your not the stereotype that is connected to being a salesperson, instead of calling yourself something else?  If agents started acting like "trusted advisers" than maybe those titles could be more reputable.

It’s More Than Just Semantics

My actual foundation for the argument against using so many different titles, is that "Agency" is difficult enough for most practitioners and consumers to understand.  The concept of being an Agent for the Principal is that we would act "as if walking in the Principal’s shoes".  That is to say, that an agent should advise a client, as if the agent was the client.  I will only suggest my client act in a way, that I myself would act in that situation and with my current level of knowledge.

Client, Customer, Principal, Dual Agent, Designated Agent and on and on - these titles have to mean something.  So, until such time as "Consultant" is defined by some governing body, you aren’t one - no matter what you call yourself.  To me, referring to yourself as a Consultant, makes me think you are a limited services representative and that you are only giving advice to your client and not acting on their behalf. I also think that it could be easily used against you in a courtroom as some point.

I am still sorting through my complete thoughts on this, and at one point I did use the term consultant.  However, I am currently thinking that agents should stick to what they are licensed to call themselves.

NAR, in an attempt to continue to be engaged with their members, has developed a new position.  NAR is now hiring a Social Media Director.  You can find out more about this position on Monster.com:  NAR Social Media Director

CBS and 60 Minutes did a great layout of how we got to the point, we are at in the economy. With so many consumers looking to REALTORS® to understand the housing market, agents should know this information - a must see:

Watch CBS Videos Online

I haven’t a clue how we come up with these names…. A Wiki is a great tool for mulitple authors or planners to come together and create a document on-line, without having to e-mail it to death. If you’re on an office committee to design a new policy or even on agent, trying to work with others to create a document, you could use a wiki.

Benn Rosales, the founding father of the most excellent www.AgentGenius.com did a screen-o-matic post on how to create a Wordpress post. This is one of the best tutorials I’ve seen on how to make a WP post, and I wanted to share it with you. I get a lot of questions on how someone like the award winning www.AgentGenius.com creates their format, and here it is:

I am not the biggest fan of Greg Swann’s delivery of information; but delivery aside, he’s right more often than he is wrong. There has been a series of posts and ideas floating around the RE.net in regards to clients paying for their own representation, other than the Seller paying the entire fee.

I see holes and faults in his theory, but I also see why the thought of Commission reform is a significant benefit to the consumer. Read this e-book on Divorcing the Commission and form your own thoughts.

Yesterday I attended and received certification through EarthCraft Virginia . It was a good training session and gave me a much better understanding of what Builders can do, to make homes more efficient and better for our environment.

For those who don’t know EarthCraft is a certification program that awards points to certified builders. Points are gained by making sure that energy efficient appliances are used and making sure that HVAC systems run at high efficiency by patching holes and proper installation. It’s a great system. I encourage everyone to take this class, or at least get their Brokers to take it.

Here are some helpful links with information to Green Real Estate resources:

Green Building Guidelines NAHB

US Green Building Council

Real Estate Green Program

Virginia Sustainable Building Network

Here are some links to energy efficient Appliances and Lighting:

www.efi.org

www.seagulighting.com

www.positive-energy.com

www.progresslighting.com