We all use different terms when referring to our title. There is the ever so common Real Estate Agent and Realtor, but I prefer the term Real Estate Professional. As agents we handle our business different. We have different personalities, different marketing strategies and different ways to communicate with our clients.
However, I choose not to leave out the one word that describes myself. PROFESSIONAL
There is a level of professionalism that we must maintain with every person we encounter. The expertise we are required to have in our industry is that of a professional. The knowledge that we share when negotiating and advising is that of a professional. In the midst of competition between agents we can not forget to stay with the basics and maintain our professional attitude and "good sportsmanship" as we look after the best interest of our clients.
After all, the reputation of our industry starts with us.
I don't think the public buys labels other than agent and Realtor. Agents have poisoned the credibility well and have lost the ability to do reputation management by simply changing labels and titles.
Most surveys show that the public doesn't believe that expertise or professionalism is a hallmark of our industry.
"There is a level of professionalism that we must maintain with every person we encounter."
That's a great attitude to have, Stephanie. Every person matters. I encounter a lot of people who are rude and unkind. Those are the people who test you to see just how much of a professional you are.
I probably should have stated my point a bit differently.
The consumer doesn't care what you call yourself. Just look at the number of agents in a given market who claim to be #1 for something. It's ignored, just like the alphabet soup of designations many have after their name.
Reputation is like respect - it's earned. It's not something you can attribute to yourself. For the consumer, actions speak louder than words.
Hi Stephanie.....
Great Post and to the point.