It’s common to associate the term agent or broker with sleazy sales pitches and over-promised and under-delivered service. There are a ton of great people in the real estate industry, but these stereotypes exist because there are brokers out there that lack integrity and knowledge. They look at their clients as a means to an end. You know the type: foaming at the mouth to get 5 minutes on the phone with you, promising to sell your home for way over market value, and then treating you with a complete lack of respect when you ask to change strategies or express concern over something. They are out there. And if you’ve done business with an agent like this, I hope this article will help you make the right choice next time.

I have been coaching basketball since I was 16. It’s something that I’m passionate about and enjoy. I’ve taught 4th graders all the way up to college athletes. And while it’s impossible to explain everything I’ve learned since I first started, I found the relationship building to be the most fulfilling part of the job. I’m fortunate to still talk regularly with many of the kids I coached. I’m proud that our relationships have lasted well beyond the player-coach stage. Although not perfect, I believe our coaching staffs were able to provide our players with a transformative, memorable experience. We helped them learn about basketball, life, and themselves. We also had a ton of fun, won a lot of games, and created memories we can all look back fondly on. To me that’s success.

So when I joined Keller Williams and learned that part of my job is to educate and teach my clients – I realized that although my job title changed, I was still coaching! I love real estate because it’s challenging. It allows me to compete. It’s also always changing, which allows me to be creative and observant. In many ways, coaching is very similar to that of an agent. You scout, analyze, game plan, and execute. Then you reflect, adjust, and improve. Most importantly, real estate – just like basketball – is about relationships. Whether I’m consulting someone on the market or explaining something on the court, my goals are the same. I want to educate and help my clients/players grow. I want to guide them and put them in the best position to succeed. I want to create new friendships. And I love accomplishing collective goals.

With all this in mind, here are two basic principles to use when picking your next Realtor®. In my opinion, you can’t be a great coach to someone you know nothing about. We all beat to different drums. If your agent makes no effort to really listen to you, find a different one. Secondly, the investment of time is a powerful indicator of someone’s priorities and values. I don’t believe you can provide impactful service without that investment. If your agent is always “too busy” – find other representation. As a player, I always loved the coaches who opened up the gym early or stayed after practice to put me through more workouts. I knew those coaches wanted me to learn, improve and succeed. They cared! I also always appreciated a coach who was well prepared. They had put the time in and it was clear they were committed to helping us win.

There are plenty of agents who study the market, strategize well, and want to win you the most lucrative deal. What truly differentiates agents at this level is the same as what separates good and great coaches: their commitment to education, teamwork, and communication. So when you’re interviewing candidates, pick the one who is coming from a perspective of service – those are the ones willing to go the extra mile for you.

Thanks for reading,

Your Friend and Realtor® Bryce Morgan