Setting and Understanding Expectations is a Power Move for Real Estate Agents

As a real estate agent, if you don’t set expectations with your clients and understand their expectations, it can put all parties into a frustrated state. Expectations can and should be set at the beginning of the process. If you’re working with a buyer, expectations can be set as early as a pre-qualifying call and the buyer’s presentation, and with seller’s the same could be said for the pre-qualifying call and the listing presentation. 

Expectations are not a one way street. As a real estate agent, you will set the expectations with the clients on how the process is going to work from start to finish, and it is also your responsibility to understand the expectations of your clients. When all expectations are on the table, challenges that may arise in any transaction can be addressed in a unified manner. 

Are you a team lead, expectation conversations must happen with your team members. If expectations are not set and met, the team will be in chaos. Expectation conversations set the tone, and expectations will also develop respect among team members. As a coach of team leads and brokers over the years, when expectations were not clear, problems were persistent. 

The importance of setting expectations extends well beyond the office. Setting expectations are healthy for marriages, provide guidance in raising children, help to navigate relationships with family members, and can be the basis for creating lifelong relationships. 

One of the ways to eliminate frustration in both your real estate business and life is to start setting expectations and understanding the expectations of others.