When Did 'Expert' Become a Dirty Word?

by Steve Harney

The world around me is evolving rapidly. Sometimes I wonder if I can even keep up with all the advances and changes. One big change that seems to have occurred while I wasn’t looking is that it now seems that being an EXPERT is a bad thing. I’m not sure when this happened but I’m really confused. I grew up thinking we should respect people who have become experts in their field: those who have taken the time to truly learn the nuances of their industry.

I’m specifically talking about the real estate industry in this post. Today, it seems that people are upset that agents would consider themselves experts in this field. Why?

Let’s look at the definition of expert:

a person who has extensive skill or knowledge in a particular field.

There are those who believe that, if you consider yourself an expert, you need to be infallible. You cannot give advice unless you are 1000% sure of everything that will happen. That is a standard that is well beyond the definition and is unreasonable – in any profession. The best of surgeons can’t guarantee the outcome of an operation. The best attorney cannot guarantee the outcome of a trial. But we should still reach out for the expert’s advice.

Whether it be a surgeon, a trial attorney or a real estate agent (especially in the current housing market) you want an expert: someone who has extensive skill and knowledge in their particular field. Don’t disqualify an agent who is the expert. Instead disqualify any agent who isn’t.

How can I tell who is the expert?

The first sign of a true professional is that they carry themselves with confidence. This confidence allows them to listen to your needs and answer your questions. If you are sitting with an agent who wants to just tell you how ‘things will be’ instead of answering your concerns, you are not sitting with an expert.

An expert is not afraid of your questions because they have answers. They are not afraid to give you advice because they have a depth of knowledge on the issue. They realize no one will ever be correct 100% of the time. Yet, they have enough confidence in their understanding of the market to explain your best options – just like any other expert in any other profession.

There are many professionals in the housing industry who work hard every day trying to figure out the puzzle this business has become. They read, do research and attend the necessary courses, classes and seminars to guarantee they are the real estate experts in your region. Find one of these experts before you either sell your house or buy a home.

If you are considering Relocating to Colorado Springs, Purchasing a Home for Sale in Colorado Springs, considering Selling a Home in Colorado Springs, or want more information on the Colorado Springs Real Estate Market, Contact your Colorado Springs Real Estate Expert, Mike MacGuire Today!