I am by no means a "typical agent" but I do pride myself in that. Open houses are a waste of time, to the home owner that is. They are to serve one purpose and that is to put the AGENT in front of more buyers. I have my team do them because it's greater exposure for us. Advertising sells houses, sometimes. Putting it in MLS sells houses, sometimes. Open houses sells that house, hardly ever but sometimes. The point is that most agents are on a level playing field most people do the same thing when it comes to marketing and follow up, nothing ground breaking there. What makes a good listing agent is this...in my opinion.
1. They have to be brutally honest. I will tell clients straight forward that I don't care what they want to list their house for. If they want to sit on it and wait for that "perfect buyer" then they can list it with someone that will do just that, just list it. PRICE and almost price alone is what sells property. So if the owner is thinking they want an unrealistic number it's the agent's job to tell them they are being unrealistic.
2. They also have to have an extensive area knowledge and a deep pocket of contacts. This is hands down the most important thing that my investors expect when I list their portfolios or I am helping them find property. They expect me to know about it before anyone and sell it before I put it on the market. And with the right contacts it's totally possible.
3. And last but not least they need to be AMBITIOUS if you can't find one that is at least avoid the LAZY ones, even though that's easier said that done sometimes I'm afraid ;)
