The Elevated Agent
September 2025 – How to Be the Agent Other Agents Want to Work With
Introduction
Professionalism should be our hallmark, not our weakness. The reality? We too often fall short. Our clients and colleagues deserve more from us.
Agent Focus: Professionalism With Peers
Being professional isn’t just about how you present yourself to clients — it’s also about how you treat other agents. Here are a few ways to stand out as someone other agents respect and enjoy working with:
- Respect time → Be punctual for showings, give showing feedback, return calls quickly, and meet paperwork deadlines.
- Communicate clearly → Don’t fire off half-thought texts/emails. Provide complete updates and confirm important details.
- Keep your word → If you promise something (an offer, an update, a disclosure), deliver it.
- Collaborate, don’t compete → Remember: even when representing opposite sides, the goal is the same — a smooth transaction that closes.
- Protect your reputation → Other agents talk. If you’re professional, ethical, and reliable, it will follow you — and so will smoother deals for your clients.
Professionalism with peers isn’t just good manners — it’s a competitive advantage. When other agents want to work with you, your offers get taken more seriously, your negotiations run smoother, and your clients benefit.
Buyer Insight
Don’t Let Photos Control Your thinking
There are two parts to this. First, you can’t judge a home by its pictures—photos can flatter or mislead. If the numbers (beds, baths, location, etc) work, go see it. Worst case, you cross it off; best case, you find a fit. Second, attractive marketing may get you in the door, but again don’t let the look deceive you. Focus on quality and condition, and give weight to the inspection report—once the marketing gets you there, let the data guide your decision.
Tip for agents: use this line as a conversation starter when prepping buyers for showings.
Seller Insight
The First 5 Seconds Sell Your Home
Keeping with the idea of photos and despite the fact that we hope buyers aren’t misled by them – buyers still often decide how they feel about a property before they step inside. That means curb appeal matters — both in the first listing photo and during the walk-up — it’s crucial. Trimmed landscaping, swept off porches, touched up paint, and a clean entry, can make all the difference.
Tip for agents: include “first 5 seconds” prep on your listing checklist to drive this point home for sellers.
Closing Thought
Professionalism is our brand. It’s how clients judge us, how peers remember us, and how our industry moves forward. If we, as Central Oregon agents, commit to raising the bar, we’ll all benefit from smoother transactions, stronger reputations, and happier clients.
Until next month — keep elevating.