Tuesday, February 9, 2016

What is a team?

February 1, 2016  ¦  Tanya Hawkins, Realtor, ABR, CRS


I just got back from the second big conference this year and everywhere I turned, the buzz was all about teams.  Team this, and team that.  This isn't a new concept.  Real Estate agents and REALTORS have cooperated via the MLS for many years.  It isn't uncommon to have a husband and wife team or parent and child team up as one transitions out of the business and one transitions in.  Sometimes, there is an informal agreement between 2 or more agents to "take care of each other" and their business if hte other has to be away on vacation or unavailable.   What does this mean to the consumer?

If you are buyer, today’s inventory levels can drive you mad.  No matter where you are in the marketplace, it can be frustrating to find the right property at the right price.  The homes that go on the market in great condition with the right price get snatched up before you can see it.  If you are working with a single agent, it might mean that you didn’t get to see it because of scheduling conflicts.   Another frustration for many buyers in our area is that they come into town on a relocation house hunting trip with a limited time for searching and their agent is not available the whole time.  If you are working with a team, they can run relay, if needed, to allow you to see everything on your list.  It doesn’t just end with finding the home, the team can work with you through the whole process – to include managing the details of the transaction all the way to closing and delivering the keys.                                                                                                 
What about sellers?  What can a team do for a seller that an individual agent can’t do?  Often the top listing agents are sought out by many in the public.  The team concept allows them to focus on their top job which is listing and selling homes.  They collaborate and discuss top strategies for getting the home in front of the best pool of buyers.  They work together to answer calls and schedule showings for the property.  The more people you have answering the phone knowledgeably, means you have a better chance of capturing the buyer for a showing and most importantly for an offer.   

How do you know if a team concept is the right concept for you and what key differences should a team bring to you?
  1. They should be a group of like-minded individuals with comparable experience and commitment to service.
  2. They should collaborate to bring the highest set of results to each of their clients.
  3. They should each have a specialty or experience that rounds out the team allowing for the best outcome.
  4. They should communicate regularly with you and each other to keep everyone up to speed.
  5. The protocol for communication and follow up should be established first and adhered to throughout the professional relationship.                                                                      

The Prime Group of RE/MAX Preferred in O’Fallon is comprised of 4 agents and 2 support staff.  They work together to provide the level of service that is needed to successfully get you through one of the most critical investment

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