“John, I feel unsettled. So much angst.”
Regular reader and new friend, Steve, had these feelings on his mind over coffee. He was referring to and asking me how he should navigate a real estate agents professional protocols. But he shouldn’t have to feel “angst” at all. Unfortunately, he got caught in the “who’s customer does he ‘belong’ to” syndrome.
I’m sure you’ve been in this situation before, too. Heck, it’s happened to a handful of my customers this year.
There you are, relaxing on your sofa clicking through real estate websites, clicking on homes for more info. Whammo – a few minutes later real estate agents call. “I see you clicked on my listing, how may I help you.” You’re out of sorts and respond, “um, well, I like this property and… “. The agent takes over the conversation and tries to win you over.
But you have an agent already. Kinda. I mean, you met with an agent last week, month… and now you’re not sure what to say, or what to do.
The agent you like never asked for any agreement, but this guy is all over you to sign an exclusive buyer agreement. UGH! What. Do. You. Do.
Or… you start with one agent. She gets busy and asks another agent to step in. They don’t communicate clearly. You continue working with the new agent not knowing what’s going on behind the scenes. You close on your transaction. You run into the first agent on the street and the “vibe” goes south.
And you did nothing to cause that.
Or… you start with one agent. He gets busy and asks another agent to step in. They don’t communicate clearly. You continue working with the new agent not knowing what’s going on behind the scenes. You close Or… you click on a Facebook Ad (sound familiar) and I call you. You don’t really want to talk with me as you already got hounded by 6 other agents who said, “I’ll work with you if you’re serious and can commit to me only. Just sign this agreement…”
Somehow you give me 10 seconds and I say, “I don’t require any agreement. This is a relationship-based business. If you give me the opportunity to serve you, and you like what I deliver – I hope you’ll do business with me. If you don’t like my ____ or ____… just say so and we’ll part ways. Sound fair?”
Takeaway: Choose to do business with who you know, like or trust. No need to sign agreements as a buyer (being a seller is a different convo). And if you feel angst or uneasiness, just tell the agent you’ve established a relationship with another realtor and you wish to continue in that direction.
There can be drama, but when working with professional real estate agents, it should not exist. There’s an abundance of opportunity out there for everyone.
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* Photo above – Taken from Delray’s main beach looking back at 50 Ocean, the Pavilion and Opal Grand Resort at midnight.
** Check out Delray happening here and here.
*** I’m NEVER too busy for your referrals. If you know someone who may who may need of my real estate services or could benefit from my weekly eLetter… please share my cell phone 561-777-4089.
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*** Your Weekly INVENTORY Update ***
* 36 months ago there were over 54,000 properties available in S. Florida. It bottomed this February at 14,485… or a 73% drop.
* Last week there were 29,950 available.
* This morning’s Inventory is 30,521
*** Inventory is up 111% since February lows
