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October 24, 2007
Broker Personality Cult--Venting
Why do brokers get head shots & go to great lengths to cultivate a sales "personality"? Today, I opened an email from a broker of a large firm and the first thing that literally popped out of my screen and right into my face was a 2"x2" color head shot of the broker. Underneath his ugly mug was his message in response to an inquiry I had made. It really enraged me. As far as I'm concerned, an obese, hairy, perverted, one-legged midget could sell me a house, IF IT'S THE HOUSE I LOVE AND WANT. On the other hand, George Clooney could not sell me a house I didn't want. I don't understand it. A broker is only as good as his/her listing. Don't these salespeople understand that? I don't want to see your gigantic head shot in your electronic communications to me. I don't give a shit about you; I only want to hear about the house. And I'll buy the house if I like it and if it's worth it to me--this has nothing to do with you.
Comments
OP here: I just went back to that email from the broker and actually measured the picture, and it's a full 3.75"x2". It takes up almost half of my email window.
Posted by: guest at October 24, 2007 11:44 PM
Listen, your post is very funny, and I don't necessarily agree, but you assume that most people are as thoughtful as you are. Also, at least some properties are not exclusive listings, so why not team up with the hottie?
Posted by: BrooklynCouch at October 25, 2007 12:26 AM
I second the OP's sentiments.
Posted by: guest at October 25, 2007 12:31 AM
um...disagree, above.
Posted by: BrooklynCouch at October 25, 2007 12:38 AM
the thing i haven't figured out is why the unattractive brokers push their picture.
Everyone needs to play to their strengths.
Posted by: slick at October 25, 2007 2:26 AM
I bought my place through Clooney and he let me pinch his ass at the closing. He's dreamy
Posted by: guest at October 25, 2007 7:24 AM
7:24, you only got to pinch George's ass at the closing? He took me into another conference room and did me right on the table....and believe you me, he earned every cent of his commission.
Posted by: guest at October 25, 2007 11:08 AM
Yeah, I can't understand the headshot phenomenon. And those "broker of the day" profiles in the Times real estate section are just ridiculous.
Posted by: guest at October 25, 2007 12:08 PM
On a related note, why do brokers keep calling about a property after you've expressed zero-interest in it? Do they really think they can convince you to buy it? I have been getting phone calls and emails from two brokers, asking me if I am considering putting in an offer. Obviously, if I haven't done it, I ain't gonna do it just because the broker harasses me.
Posted by: guest at October 25, 2007 1:18 PM
If I were an agent, I would dump your ass.. What a stupid thing to write about. It bothers you so much that the agent put their pic up, boy you have some real problems.
Posted by: guest at October 25, 2007 10:55 PM
Ooops....someone's feelings were hurt. What's the matter? You're not photogenic?
Posted by: guest at October 25, 2007 11:02 PM
10:55, is that you The What?
Posted by: guest at October 25, 2007 11:40 PM
Yeah, the broker "cult" is a bit odd, but I can tell you as a veteran of many many open houses etc., a pleasant, easy to look at, well groomed and congenial broker who won't scare off prospective buyers is a good thing.
Posted by: guest at October 26, 2007 12:24 PM
yeah, 12:24, but the well-groomed, congenial, etc. should be a given, no, as it is in most jobs? can do all that without putting your pic all over.
Posted by: guest at October 26, 2007 12:28 PM
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