In AgentRank(TM) We Trust
Of all the moving parts in our system, AgentRankâ„¢ is the most difficult to communicate. Most people look past the role it plays in pairing homeowners with an agent. Frankly, I’m surprised how often homeowners choose the default value of 1 (out of 10). However, when I designed the system, it was the “eureka” moment. Without it, the system would be fertile ground for bottom-feeding, hungry agents who would inevitably disappoint homeowners.
I’m always trying to think of “real world” examples to use as comparisons. A few weeks ago, credit scores came to mind. Borrowers with better credit scores typically are seen as less risky and, as a result, receive a better interest rate. Today, however, I thought of an even better one while shopping for a printer with my Consumer Reports ratings in hand at Sam’s Club. AgentRankâ„¢ is nothing more than an objective rating assigned to a Realtor representing the quality of service a consumer can expect.
Just as consumers don’t have to test each and every printer when armed with Consumer Reports ratings, consumers don’t have to interview and haggle with each and every Realtor operating within 10 miles of their home. They simple pick a number–1 to 10–and let the bidding begin.
Speaking of AgentRank(TM), I added two more components earlier this week:
- Market Forecasts
- Weblogs
Market forecasts will be used to measure an agent’s knowledge of price trends. By comparing the agent’s forecast of median sale price against the metro prices reported by the National Association of REALTORS®, we’ll identify agents who have exceptional insight into the local market.
Weblogs will be used to measure an agent’s authority on matters of real estate. The popularity of an agent’s weblog in the blogosphere will help identify agents who are considered the experts in their local market and beyond.
Copyright 2006 Baron Briefs
December 13th, 2006 at 6:56 am
Okay- I admit I have not been reading your blog as often as I would like. That aside, I’m an agent and I want to know more about AgentRank. I like what you are saying and I feel it may be a great tool for consumers since there is little or now ranking system for us as brokers.
December 13th, 2006 at 9:22 am
That’s okay, Jason…I haven’t been blogging as much as I would like either
AgentRank(TM) is the heart of RealtyBaron’s auction platform. Unlike eBay, our auction platform does not allow just anyone to bid. When agents complete the registration process, the AgentRank(TM) bot assigns them a ranking based on the following major components:
1) Experience
2) Sales
3) Client Endorsements
4) Market Forecasts (new)
5) Weblog (new)
Before agents are allowed to bid for business, the auction platform will verify the agent’s ranking meets or exceeds the minimum ranking specified by the buyer or seller.
January 18th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
I have been reading this page and after doing research on several agent lead sites (agent connect, homegain, etc)…this is clearly the most innovative way of really helping consumers to reduce the pool down to the most qualified. Great site and great traction on number of listings.