Whether you are selling a Pasadena property or you find that its time to make a hair appointment, many choices are available to you as a consumer. Could the decision you choose on where to make a hair appointment influence your choice in a real estate service provider? In the words of a former Vice Presidential candidate “youbetcha”.

Your options are many. Are you concerned with a prestigious name and a store front on a main street? All of the employees are licensed by the state, but what makes one person either more highly skilled or more capable if they work in a no frills, low overhead office or in a higher priced, recognizable office with more employees with expensive fees and an office location. Both companies have the same tools available to their employees. The question is “Am I discussing real estate offices or hair salons”?

There happens to be a perception in a service based economy that the more you pay, the better the service. And it does not matter if it is right or wrong, what does matter is that perception is reality. What really is important is that you have convinced yourself that when you pay more you get more. Otherwise, why would you do it?

There is also a stigma associated with a product or service that is priced too low. How can someone do it so cheap? What am I giving up and are these guys for real? There must be additional hidden costs associated with such a low priced offer. We tend to stay away from these because our own skepticism keeps us from investigating further. A formidable challenge to the status quo may not receive the attention it deserves due to the market domination of the bigger competitors. They may feel their margins threatened and therefore may question the experience or integrity of their competitive counterparts. We have all heard “You get what you pay for”, but do you?

Is a bigger name better of is it more impersonal? Do you think you are more likely to get a person with superior skills by using a bigger branded company? Chances are you will never find out unless you speak to a few different organizations and see what they have to offer. Since real estate is a highly personalized service oriented transaction you owe it to yourself to find one that is capable and that you feel you can work with. Since you may be contractually obligated for up to 6 months.

Lastly, since you have so many candidates from which to choose, how many of these people can actually provide you with a difference you can distinguish? Why makes Joe’s business different than Mary’s? Maybe you have convinced yourself that the neighborhood specialist for the last 25 years is your choice. We know these people as the ones who do not know how to use a computer. If they don’t understand technology, how many online real estate sites is your house likely to appear on? Most people begin their home search on the internet these days. This might be an important factor to consider.

An informed consumer is an intelligent consumer. Talk to at least three agents if you are thinking of selling your home. Also you should talk to a couple of different service providers, not just the “full commission” companies. At a minimum, you lessen your chances of getting “clipped”.

Tags: ca pasadena real estate, Pasadena Real Estate Agent, pasadena real estate broker