How to Manage an Estate Agent

As I am watching my eldest son at his school music concert, thrashing his drum kit like a boy possessed, building up to the grand final crescendo, it got me thinking that this is how top estate agents operate.

Being a drummer means that each of your four limbs needs to be playing a different rhythm all at the same time and arguably this can be six rhythms if you are using advanced foot pedal work. That is a huge amount for one’s brain to be calculating simultaneously, keeping time and driving the whole band forward. Like estate agency, one can be taught up to a certain point, however natural ability then has to kick in. You either have it, or you don’t.

Juggling the sale process

There are so many points during the sale process, whereby different paths run in parallel, but each requires a different approach or rhythm to keep everything running smoothly.

It is key critical to know when to go slow and gently reel that elusive viewer in, to build them up to make an offer. Go in too quickly and you will scare them away in an instant. Keeping that drive going and getting them to dance to your tune is key, but then it’s time to ratchet up the tempo for when the solicitors get involved. At this stage all hell needs to break loose and every player needs to come to the front of the stage to give it everything. However so many sales fall through during this stage, because no one steps up to take control, so make sure this isn’t you.

The later parts

You then have the mortgage lender lurking behind the stage who needs a more considered approach before they timidly come out to perform. You also have the building surveyor, who has a habit of coming in late during the performance to throw off everyone’s rhythm, so ensure you get both of these players to up to speed sooner rather than later.

Yes thrashing your tom drums and crash symbols is often needed in estate agency, however sometimes confidence and earnt experience need to come to the forefront. Going silent on everyone for a moment to let things simmer, can also bring out the best in a situation.

Who has the plan?

Throughout your sale performance, the rest of the band are looking to you the drummer the whole time when to come in, what tempo and when you can each take a turn to play your solo. Afterall, how many successful bands can you name that have a below average drummer? The same applies in estate agency. Get your rhythm wrong from the outset and there is nowhere to hide. If you instruct the wrong drummer, the whole band will get booed off stage.

Yes of course the lead singer (or vendor) is there to lap up all the glory and front it all, however without the drummer keeping time on numerous moving parts all at the same time, your sale won’t be going anywhere.

So the next time an estate agent wishes to join your rock band house sale and they bring their panpipes, just tell them to beat it.