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Green Team Business Review – January 2018
The 2017 Scoreboard
The first order of business at the Green Team monthly market review meeting was the Agents’ Scoreboard. In Warwick, Jennifer DiCostanzo finished first, for the second year in a row. Jen closed out $10,500,000 in sales volume, beating Geoff Green’s single year, all-time Green Team record! Geoff was more than happy to relinquish the title “Number One All Time” to Jen. Nancy Sardo came in second, with sales at $7,200,00, more than doubling her total from 2016. Tammy Scotto was third with sales of almost $5,000,000, way up from $1,350,00 in 2016. Most agents had a solid year and saw increases over last year. Linda VanDeWeert saw her sales volume rise from $1,017,000 in 2016 to $2,147,000 in 2017. Perhaps the most dramatic difference was in Chris Kimiecik’s numbers, which went from sales of $260,000 in 2016 to $2,900,000 in 2017! With a total sales volume of $74,000,000, it looks like the Green Team will be among the top ten agencies in Orange County.
In the Sussex County office, Keren Gonen just finished her first year in the real estate business. She also finished number one on the scoreboard, with $4,300,000 in sales volume. She is, according to Geoff Green, a rising star! She is followed by Charles Nagy in the number two spot, with $3,600,000 in sales volume. Barbara Tesa is in third place with $3,300,000 in sales volume, which does not include sales from her previous agency. According to Geoff’s predictions, Barbara will be even higher up on the scoreboard in 2018!
“How is the Market?”
When asked this question, agents must be clear on the trends that have been occurring in their local markets and be able to explain them and the effect they may have on the client’s real estate needs.
To Work with a Buyer’s Agent or a Listing Agent, that is the Question
For some people, it’s almost a moral dilemma. They’ve been talking to an agent they like. Then they see a house they like. However, the house is listed by a different broker. Consequently, they feel that it’s only ethical to contact the listing agent.
Or, they think they’ll be able to negotiate a better price by going directly to the Listing Agent.
What’s in a Name? An agent by any name would get me a good deal.
Some buyers believe the listing agent will give them a better deal. After all, they’re saving that agent from splitting a commission. Hence, a listing agent shouldn’t mind negotiating a better deal for them, or giving up part of his or her commission.
The buyer doth presume too much, methinks.
Or, the buyer sees a listing with an agent’s name, and imagines all the work that has gone into this deal. So, it’s only right that they should give the listing agent their business, too. It just wouldn’t be fair to have another agent show them the property. Hence, the buyer presumes that the listing agent will be upset by bringing a buyer’s agent into the picture.
To Thine Own Client Be True.
However, in both scenarios, a major factor is missing. Who has the Buyer’s back? The Listing Agent represents the Seller. Therefore, the Seller’s best interests come first. The Agent will want to get his client the best possible purchase price, which in turn will mean a larger commission. The Listing Agent has advised the Seller on how to market and sell their home, prepare it for showing, price it realistically, handle offers and negotiate the best deal for his client.
This is where the Buyer’s Agent comes in. She wants to get her client a new home for the best possible price. Additionally, she has the knowledge and expertise to advise on neighborhoods, schools, property valuation and more. The Buyer’s Agent will arrange showings for each property her client is interested in, advise on obtaining pre-approval and financing from a lender, and handle problems that might arise during home inspection, etc. She will negotiate the best deal for her client, and handle the legalities and paperwork of closing. Furthermore, the Buyer’s Agent may continue to help her client even after closing. Recommendations of local businesses and services can be an immense help when a client is new to a neighborhood.
The better part of the client/agent relationship is discretion.
Whether a Buyer’s Agent or Listing Agent, there are certain characteristics each should have. Confidentiality, loyalty, accountability, disclosure, adherence to laws… These are just a few of the traits a good agent possesses.
To work with a Buyer’s Agent or Listing Agent, that is the question. And the answer is, find the real estate agent with the knowledge, experience and expertise to best represent you in either buying or selling your home.
Want to learn more about buying a home, Download our free 22-page Home Buying Guide.
