TOP 5 IN REAL ESTATE NETWORK, September, 2009—Ran Wyder
Wyder Desert Properties
Years in real estate: 18
Region Served: Oakland, CA.
Average sales price in your market: $500,000
Why is it more important to consumers now than ever before to work with a professional agent? Because of all the problems we have. There are short sales and foreclosures. It’s no longer just getting between the buyer and the seller. Today we have to talk to all kinds of people to help our clients. It’s a question of facilitating a deal with banks and lenders and helping a client with a loan modification. There is just a lot of professional help that we need to give people in this market.
How have you raised your professionalism? By learning as much as I can about foreclosure and short sales. Also I believe that the Top 5 designation has raised my professionalism. When I can walk around wearing a Top 5 pin I am looked upon as being on a different level. I am getting asked deeper questions. People have greater respect for me because of the Top 5 designation.
What sets you apart as a professional? Initially, when I came up to Oakland to do a development three years ago, we were going to build 30 homes in the hills for the young people commuting into San Francisco to make it more affordable for them. We want to bring young people back into Oakland. I have one young man looking to buy a house who commutes three hours a day. It’s very expensive. Unfortunately this project has gone on hold for the time being. But that’s what I was doing differently. In another two years we will have the project up and running again.
Why did you become a Member of Top 5? I want to be part of a group of the “movers and shakers” in the real estate industry. It’s nice to know that I now have this network that goes from coast to coast. The opportunity of getting good referrals is another big reason. Not just a regular referral either, but qualified clients from people who are at the top of their business.
How are you/will you utilize the Top 5 program to help build your business? I am sending out the newsletters to everyone in my sphere of influence. And believe it or not, the lapel pin is huge. People ask, “what is that?” When I explain, they are impressed. We do need to elevate our profession and we deserve it because a dedicated agent puts a lot into each transaction. So we should have a higher level of respect.
What is the key to a successful life in real estate? You must put your client first. You must want to help and have empathy so you can feel and meet their needs. The client must genuinely believe that you can sell their house. The buyer must understand that you will find their dream house. We are listening and we are doing our utmost to fill their needs.
