Best Business Practices

Due diligence and ordinary care are probably terms that you remember hearing in your pre-licensing classes when you first got your real estate license. I think now would be a good time to recap on what those terms actually mean. Providing excellent service to your clients is one key in this business. You work by referral right? And in doing so, you make sure that your service to your clients is superior, so that they refer all of their family and friends to you…correct? Well, in ensuring that level of service to your clients, you need to do your due diligence.

When listing a property, whether it is bank owned, seller owned or vacant, you need to make sure that the information you are supplying in the MLS is correct. In the process of working with other agents and the public, you want to be known as being a professional and going above and beyond what is standard for other agents. Please, do not simply copy a listing – most of the time what they enter is incorrect. Take the time to input the listing and ensure that the information is accurate and up to date. If you don’t know something about the property, don’t make it up….look it up.

Well-Septic questions? Contact the County’s Department of Environmental Health….

Prince William (703) 792-6310
Loudoun County (703) 777-0234
Fairfax (703) 246-2201
If those numbers don’t work….ask the person who answers for the correct one.

Search the Virginia DPOR site (http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb/dpormainwelcome.cfm) for the neighborhood HOA. If you don’t know if they have one and don’t see it on the list, call some other listing agents and double check. It will save you a headache and possible complaints in the future.

Also, know what type of utilities are at the property – natural gas, electric, propane, septic/sewer, well/public water, etc. don’t guess – if you don’t know ask the county, they gave permits to build the property and they have those details. It can be the difference between a long, referral filled career or a short career with the possibility of law suits and complaints. Do the right thing – give a ring-a-ding!

When working with buyers, you should do the same as above. If the listing agent says they “don’t know”, you need to find out. It’s called working for your clients, earning that commission and referral and being a good agent. Many agents rely on the bottom of the page which states “information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed”. Don’t be involved or trapped by this statement on either side of the transaction by relying on these words. Take the time to separate yourself from others in the business.

Practicing ordinary care is taking care of your clients as well as your reputation.

Always be a professional.
Always put your best foot forward.
Always do your homework.
Always return phone calls and emails promptly.
Always treat everyone in the transaction with respect even if you aren’t getting your fair share of it from them.
Always represent yourself and RE/MAX Gateway as professional and competent.

Lastly, do not put my reputation, Gateway’s reputation or your reputation in jeopardy. Take your time, put all your effort into it and be responsible. Life is easier this way. Do your job well and you will be rewarded.