You've seen them.
Those offices overflowing with plaques, frames, and fancy looking certificates and diplomas covering every square inch of wallspace.
They're designed to impress and overwhelm clients who enter the office coaxing you into believing that the man or woman on the other side of the desk is more than qualified to assist you. The diplomas, certificates, and awards are also conversation starters meant to elicit questions of "Where'd you get this one?" or "What did you do to win that?"
There's nothing wrong with awarding achievement and one should be proud of those accomplishments in life that took real effort. I've got more than my share of plaques & frames -- some more impressive than others.
This diploma is written in Latin making it extra impressive!
This one says that I'm a member of the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS.
As long as I pay my dues each year and conduct my business ethically, I can keep this one.
This big one says that I passed the Virginia Bar Exam. After 3 years of law school and a grueling 2 day examination that I passed on the first try, this certificate has a prominent place in my home office.
A couple of my RE/MAX Awards
All of these awards, plaques and certificates are in my home office and my clients, friends, and colleagues rarely, if ever, see them.
When I meet you at my real estate office, or at your home, I don't drag my awards and certificates with me to start a conversation or to impress.
I'd rather talk about:
- the recent client I helped negotiate an 11% discount on her new townhouse after a previous seller wouldn't budge on price
- the seller that's thankful for my help during an arduous short sale process dealing with his mortgage company and making sure that we didn't lose an anxious buyer
- the buyers who got a great deal on a foreclosure and are excite to move into their first home
- the important provisions of the real estate contract
- strategies for negotiating the best deal
- how I'll market your home online and get maximum exposure for your property
Plaques, diplomas, and certificates -- they're nice... But, they don't sell homes!
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Brian-I actually threw away all of my plaques and awards. The only "diploma" visible even in my home office is my Brokers license. The rest were nice and the free trips around the world when I worked for the software industry were enjoyable but none of them mean anything if my clients aren't happy with my services.
Brian - Agreed. I have about 11 plaques sitting cozily underneath my desk, collecting dust.
CINDY: The Broker's License pretty much trumps all the other real estate awards. Mine's still in the cardboard tube but should get framed at some point.
JASON: I had to wipe the dust off a few of these for the photos.
Just what is the market value of those real estate plaques, anyway.
I see them in agent's offices and they are comical. What is $Million Dollar Producer worth. All it says is that you are earning about $35K selling real estate.
If I had a law degree, I would hang it.
The only one on my wall that is real estate related, which is that means anything is my broker's licenses for Maryland and Virginia.
Brian,
I have to respectfully agree and disagree with you on this. Like anything, too much doesn't cut it, but a few recent achievements do point out some interest and does make for a topic of conversation. I do agree that too much, even unapplicable achievements can't help you sell property. We all want to buy from someone you like and you trust. Everything else is BS. If an award or 2 helps the trust, display away!
Good Luck!
Brian, Did you know I have been the top listing agent and the top selling agent in my company for 10 years straight? Of course that one of the advantages of owning your own company and being the only one in it :)
I carry my plaques and awards with me every time I go on an appointment and set then up on the table in front of me. Ok just kidding. I don't have any plaques or awards. Just me and my smiling face.
My name is Broker Bryant and I endorse this post.
Brian, The Wall of Fame is not as important as the actual deeds you perform. That warm fuzzy feeling of a job well done will live much longer than dusty plagues!
kk
Hi Brian, I think that it all must be in moderation. I think achievements and awards are nice, but don't you think a buyer and seller want to know more about what you are going to do for them, than what you have accomplished through your life?
Brian- I enjoy my plaques and awards and yes they are displayed in my office. They inspire me to do my best each and everyday. Do clients ever see them? No because my office within my office is not where we meet.
Brian - You're the hardest working man in the rain! I like your philosophy on plaques. I may need to follow your lead.
They make a pretty fire. I remember years ago in another real estate company Ellen and I were agents of the month. We had spent about 36K and made about 9K in earnings. So much for accolades, just show me the money instead.
With the internet, it's now much easier to convey our education and experience to potential clients. Besides, the clients never see these awards. Don't we usually meet them in the conference room...or Starbucks :-)
Brian, Arthur and I cherish our broker's license - I don't pay the fee to get the RE/MAX awards - I'd rather have a damned good bottlle of Merlot. Karen
Brain...
You have just a few more plagues than I do. That must mean you're a better than me :)
P.S. Sorry. It was teed up purrfectly and Eve waits for no one :)
TLW...ROAR!