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Health & Fitness

The Advantages of a Young Real Estate Agent

Looking to buy or sell a home?  When going through the process many people tend to look for agents who have a big name with lots of experience to rent out their property.  Of course, experience is worth it's weight in gold, but so is inexperience.

The real estate market has changed in the recent years. The homes haven't changed, but the way we look for homes has. The way make a home look appealing to the buyer has changed. The way to make a buyer appealing to a seller has also changed a bit. 

Before I go any further, I'd like to define young. I don't necessarily mean age. I mean someone who is curious, adaptive, hard working, and savvy.  

A personal anecdote about young vs. old agents. Every Tuesday, realtors showcase their listings to other realtors in what is called a "brokers open house". At these events, the listing agent will ask other realtors to take the time out of their day and join them for lunch while they preview the home as it just goes on the market.

I go to gain knowledge about the market, meet other realtors with whom I might have a potential deal with, and most importantly find something for my buyers.  A couple weeks ago, an established HUGE firm based in Newtown held a brokers open for a $2 million property. When I got to the home, the "catered lunch" was cold chick-fil-a french fries and a box of cookies.  The agent didn't bother to greet us, and chatted on his cell phone while glancing at his $20,000 watch.  The only thing I could think is "If the homeowner only knew what his representation is like."

On the flip side, I went to a young agent's $200,000 listing, and he had his dad flipping burgers, veggie and beef. This kid had every detail thought out.  When you went into that home, you felt like home. 

I've seen this scenario play out over and over. Week after week. 

"Older" real estate agent
"I have a network of people who will want to buy your home."

"Younger" real estate agent
"We all have the same network of people. It's called the internet The home will be marketed on various sites along with the MLS. If it's a nice home, photographs well, and shows well. It will sell. My job is to ensure this happens through various media."

It's up to the agent to leverage his tools. The good agent will put all his focus on you and not promise the world just to get your listing and move on to the next person.  Half of my day in the office revolves around me helping older real estate agents figure out all the features we are provided with. In exchange, I gain their mentorship and experience. Great trade off.

Time and Energy
The young agent is going to work hard around the clock. Real estate is a career and business. It's not a retail job where you just show up and work on the clock. Young agents MUST be on top of their game to gain your respect, since they do not have the experience and referrals to just gain business.  In addition, most young agents don't have a huge family and can devote time to the client when others cannot. 

I'll be the first to admit. There have been times I go into an older home and just don't know what anything is. But, book knowledge is always there. We have all been trained the same way. The young will approach the buying and selling process with eagerness and ambition.





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