Do You Care?
By Jim Palmer Jr.

I’ve been thinking and talking a lot about professionalism lately. The reason for that is I’ve seen many buyers or sellers who connect with a broker, without first exercising some thought concerning the qualifications of the broker. I’ve also seen people make a decision based solely on which broker offers their services more inexpensively.

I do recognize the power of connections, so I understand it when someone chooses a broker based on a strong connection, whether it’s familial or friendship because people tend to trust those types of connections. In the absence of a strong connection though, I find it hard to understand why anyone would choose someone who is not professional to take care of a real estate transaction that may likely be the biggest investment they will make in their lifetime.

Let me put it another way by using an analogy. If I asked one of my close friends if they trust me, they always say, “Of course I trust you!” Then I say, “but do you trust me to do a root canal on your tooth?” The answer is always an emphatic “no!” Why is that? Well that is an easy answer when I put it in that context isn’t it? Because I don’t have the expertise to do a root canal, at least not without complications, and without causing unnecessary pain and suffering. I have tools such as pliers and a little silver hammer and a sharp knife and I bet I could extract a tooth if you really wanted me too. Now that just sounds silly doesn’t it? So, do you get my drift?

Is a real estate transaction as complicated as a root canal? Maybe not, because it isn’t your body that is at stake, but in many other ways, yes it is complicated. When I need a dentist or a doctor, I make that choice based on whether they are a proven professional. Sure, I might go to an intern for athlete’s foot, but not for a heart issue.

Some real estate companies have a reputation for professionalism while some do not, perhaps that starts at the top and the leadership they offer. Many brokers are attracted to companies who take less of the commission out of their bottom line, but offer little in the way of education and mentorship. Do you care if your broker is a professional? I bet you do!