29 Jan Transparency seems to be the name of the game these days and it’s easy to see why. If you can leverage transparency in your favor, it can become a powerful selling tool.
Specifically, transparency in real estate can go in two very different directions. If you have nothing to hide and you’re a professional, transparency can help you. If your methods and ethics are questionable, transparency is going to hurt you.
The funny thing about transparency in any kind of business is that it’s becoming the norm. Very soon your lack of transparency will hurt your reputation regardless of your business ethics. I will explain why with an example.
Transparency models are rolling out daily and Homethinking.com has introduced a transparent directory of real estate agents. This directory includes Realtor information along with past transactions. A Realtor has a profile that includes personal info as well as past transactions. Details include the areas they have sold in, number of homes sold, and a comparison between actual sale price and the one advertised.
Enter User Feedback
User feedback is the game changer for this site. Users with past experience with a Realtor will be interviewed. They will be asked how well they interacted with the Realtor, how they set sale prices, and how attentive the Realtor was to questions. If you’re a realtor and you’re rude to your clients, people will know about it.
How to Leverage User Feedback
If you are a thriving Realtor and you excel, it would be wise of you to claim a profile on Homethinking.com. This is a great way for potential clients to see your value as a Realtor. Transparency can be an asset for those who are good at what they do.
What If You Have A Bad Reputation?
The consumer is going to review you regardless of your participation. I would also think that avoiding such sites would raise questions. Sites like these are becoming more prevalent every day. It’s becoming the norm and people will start to depend on the reviews of others in most decision processes. They may associate your lack of participation with your need to hide certain details of your work.
That’s the thing about social media and sites like Homehtinking.com. People are starting to expect a certain degree of openness. If you don’t give it to them, they will probably start asking questions. I would eliminate any doubts they may have. Be open about yourself because people want to know and understand who they are doing business with. It can only help you.
