Episode 27: Should You Specialize as a Buyer or Listing Agent, or Can You Do Both?

In Episode 27 of the Toe-2-Toe Podcast, hosts Jenn Murtland and Monica Weakley duke it out over whether you should specialize as a buyer or listing agent, or offer both services. Hear why Jenn feels that you absolutely should specialize and why Monica thinks most agents can run a full-service business.

Episode Highlights: 

• Should you specialize as a buyer agent or a listing agent, or can you do both?
• Jenn says you should specialize because when you specialize in something, you become a master at it. 
• Monica feels perfectly capable of serving clients on both sides of the deal.
• Jenn thinks being a buyer's agent requires a different skill set than being a listing agent.
• Jenn says she would prefer not to work with buyers because they take more coddling. A listing is generally more of a business transaction.
• Jenn emphasizes knowing who you are. There are nuances to each of the roles.
• Monica argues that they are both consultative roles that aren’t that different.
• Newer agents typically start on the buy-side.
• Jenn describes what traits she thinks buyer's agents have vs. listing agents.
• Monica argues that most agents fall in the middle space.
• They discuss the time advantages of focusing on listings.
• Monica emphasizes the ability to morph your business when you can represent both sides of the deal.
• When they surveyed other agents, most people agreed with Monica.
• Monica reiterates that most people can act as full-service agents.
• Jenn thinks you should specialize, learn the nuances, and win. 

3 Key Points:

1. Some people feel that choosing to specialize can help you achieve mastery and better serve your clients.
2. Some people feel that agents can use their consultative skills in either role.
3. If you’re a new agent, know yourself before choosing a specialty.

Resources Mentioned:

• Jenn Murtland LinkedIn | Facebook
• Monica Weakley LinkedIn | Facebook
• Toe 2 Toe Podcast Facebook Page