Fort Lauderdale Realtors: Self-Praise Grabs Attention

As a Realtor, I’m primarily a listing agent working in the Fort Lauderdale Beach market. Whether condominiums, single-family homes or duplexes, I work with homeowners to list their properties in Galt Ocean Mile, Deerfield Beach, Wilton Manors and throughout the area. While most of my work is by referral, with 17 years in the marketplace, repeat business is important.

I have repeat customers trust me for their next real estate deals. One was a client who was trusting me with his third real estate transaction. As other agents clamor for any clients, I have those trusting me enough to return again and again. So I called on the listing.

In another reflection of the market, my numerous voicemails, em

ails and texts went unreturned. To the listing agent, my client was just another buyer with unknown interest or financial qualification.

That is, until I mentioned my membership in the Master Broker’s Forum. Watch this video to learn more.

As a reader, you may not know what differentiates members of the Master Broker’s Forum. Established in 1993, the Master Brokers Forum is composed of South Florida’s top residential real estate professionals. Members are among the top 1% of Realtors in the market.

Once I mentioned my membership, the listing agent returned my call. They realized I was among the top 360 agents among 36,000 agents in the South Florida market, and more likely than others to negotiate professionally and bring the highest possibility of a closing. It would be worth their time to take my call, return my message and show me and my client their property.

I was both pleased that I finally got a return call and was able to see the home, and frustrated that the listing agent was one of many lacking the decency to return a message. I’ve been a professional trainer to Realtors in the market. I’ve spoken about the importance of professional acumen and personal ethics.

As a growing number of buyers chase an historically low number of listings, manners are on a slide in pursuit of a deal. This must change.

Until that time, we have to do what we can to be the bright shiny object. To me, the message was clear: When word of an interested buyer isn’t enough to attract a listing agent’s attention, play up your props. Put any awards, accolades or praise you’ve received into your emails or tastefully in your texts. When leaving a voicemail, make mention of your professional accolades.

Short of agents returning every call, make sure yours gets the attention it deserves. If you want a professional agent on your side, contact me.

Gary Lanham is team leader for the Gary Lanham Group at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Fort Lauderdale Beach Office. To learn more, visit instagram.com/garylanhamgroup or call 954-695- 6518.