Real Estate Agents Are the Quarterbacks of the Transactions – So Make Sure You Have a Good One

Much like real estate, the spotlight during every fall football game is squarely on the guy smack dab in the thick of the activity. The “quarterback” is, by every account, the person who will ultimately be credited with engineering the victory. Certainly, it’s under his watchful eye that goals will be reached and dreams realized. Of course, when hopes are crushed, the quarterback will shoulder much of the blame.

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The quarterback is expected to be the leader. Confidence in his own ability is as much a part of the success equation as any other factor. When doubts creep in, the quarterback is expected to assure success.

REALTORS® Are Like Quarterbacks

Given certain parallels between REALTORS® and quarterbacks, it’s interesting to observe how we, as real estate agents, characterize our contributions and abilities. We describe our strongest qualities with words such as honesty, integrity, loyalty, responsibility. We are also friendly, easy to work with, and we provide free information.

In all honesty, if we were to ask those receiving our services which quality is most important to them, they’d likely scratch their heads. After all, does anyone really want a real estate agent who is dishonest, lacks integrity, is disloyal or heaven forbid, grouchy?!

“Quarterbacking,” especially in a difficult market, requires credibility and time-tested abilities. Buyers want to know they are making the best choices at the right time. They need a game plan for making their dreams a reality. They require guidance and handholding. Sellers need assurance that their agent has her finger on the pulse of the market. They need confidence in the advice of their agent; are they asking too much, how can they increase their showings, how can they increase their net?

Experience Counts as Much as Leadership

My daughter, Kealohanui Browning, took violin lessons as a child. I recall her saying with each pull of the baton that she had to “practice and practice until I go crazy.”

Few things in life come naturally. Whether it’s real estate, Saturday football, or the NFL, practiced experience counts!

So, when you begin the search for the person to lead you through the largest transactions of your life, look for credibility, proven performance, and results. These are really the things that will “make a major difference” in your next move. And while that may not be the snappiest commercial you hear this Thanksgiving weekend, trust me, if you are in the real estate game to win, it will definitely be the most important!