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buyers agent: Buyer-Broker Agreements.....Why They Are Not Good For Agents - 03/15/12 02:08 PM

 
There is always a lot of talk about Buyer-Broker Agreements. I have used them on very rare occasions and for very specific reasons...but in general I do not. In fact, I think they are detrimental to agents (this is me bracing myself for the response:)).
Hear me out!
I believe they deter potential clients. Have you seen the ads which offer a 30 day free trial? or 60 day? or 90 day? Sure you have! Have you even taken advantage of it? I bet you have....do you know why? Because people have a desire to know what they … (100 comments)

buyers agent: Who Is The Conductor Of The Real Estate Transaction? Well....Me Of Course - 12/07/11 11:34 AM
In every transaction of every kind there is....or should be...one main point of contact. This is true in all successful ventures....
One Head ChefOne CEOOne CaptainOne ConductorMom
 And it's true in real estate.....and that person is ME!
I consider my "job" STARTING once we open escrow....not ending. This is the point when things can progress smoothly or go awry. The problems arise often because each individual person in the transaction is also an independent contractor...self-employed.
The escrow companyThe home inspectorThe mortgage brokerThe insurance brokerThe appraiser
It takes a special personality to be able to work independently. These are strong personalities but … (15 comments)

buyers agent: He Saw, She Saw......Showing Homes To Couples - 11/16/11 10:44 AM

 
Have you ever noticed that men and women see things differently? I know....you are thinking "Karen, whatever do you mean"....but it's true. And I find that when couples are searching for a new home, the differences are even more stunning.
She sees: Huge backyard He sees:  Too much grass to mow
She sees: Plenty of storage in garageHe sees:   Man Cave
He sees:  New roofShe sees: Green roof
He sees:  In-ground pool with spaShe sees: Death trap for the kids
She sees: Beautiful tall windows He sees:  Window washing
He sees:  Built-in BBQShe sees: Kitchen with white tile
He … (74 comments)

buyers agent: If You Follow The Instructions....Your Client Can Buy My Listing - 10/28/11 11:37 AM

 
The purpose of the "agent remarks" is to give confidential information to the other agent about the listing. I include as much information as I can. The forms I need, the type of offer we are looking for (yes to FHA or no to FHA), and what not to include.
So I'm always surprised when offers land in my inbox, without a phone call, and don't have the required items.
I got two of these last night. For a short sale listing. I clearly said in the comments to send me the Short Sale Addendum (really? no SSA?). I … (14 comments)

buyers agent: As An Orange County Listing Agent.....Others Can Do The Work For Me - 09/05/11 02:19 PM

 
 
 
I love working with buyers...truly I do. They are so excited and happy when the hard work pays off and they find that perfect home. But.....listings are also part of my business plan.
I know that over the past few years it's become a trend to specialize in either buyers or sellers. If that works, great. But this is an ever changing market place and we have not seen what's coming down the pike.
To me....it always seem to be a moving market. Sometimes the buyers are driving and sometimes the sellers are driving...but always moving. The … (12 comments)

buyers agent: I'm A Professional.....Not A Beauty Pageant Contestant - 08/31/11 11:41 AM

 
 
I wonder if consumers really understand why they should work with a specific real estate agent. I spend time on the Internet reading comments and questions which seem to indicate that one agent is the same as another.
Anything from shopping for the best commission rate to using many agents depending upon their availability on a given day. It seems they view us as competing for their business and that we need to jump through hoops...or lose.
I don't think it should work like that!
A solid real estate agent is worth their weight in gold!!! Think about it! … (16 comments)

buyers agent: Why Use A Real Estate Professional? Because If You Don't You Will Miss Your Daughter's Birthday....Huh? - 07/30/11 11:42 AM

 
Why Use A Real Estate Professional? Because If You Don't You Will Miss Your Daughter's Birthday....Huh
I was floating in the pool listening to the radio (last time I mentioned my pool, Bob took away a point). A commercial came on with some ridiculous scenario about a catastrophe that would occur if you didn't use some website to buy a car. Like www.buycar-or-die.com something like that.
The basics of the commercial was one car buyer who has to drive to 7 different dealerships to find a car, while running out of gas, dropping off kids at events and hitting … (23 comments)

buyers agent: Digging In When The Deal Gets Tough - 07/06/11 05:15 PM

 
Don't you hate it when you open that email from a client which starts out letting you know there is a "deal killer"?
Deal Killer
Two little words which will cause even the most seasoned agent to wince. But we've all gotten that email/voicemail/phone call, it's how we respond to that phrase which makes the difference.
I'm handling one today!
After working with this couple for months, we finally gained acceptance on a property. Whew....perfect home, ready to go....done deal.
Or not!
We ran out the minute we heard that we had the offer accepted. This home is in … (24 comments)

buyers agent: Things I Didn't Know I Had To Tell Clients.....But Do! - 06/29/11 03:17 PM

I read a great featured post today by Mike Cooper: Somebody Broke In and Painted My Listing!! Maybe you read it too? About a buyer whose agent gave them permission to go ahead and start painting before the close? Wow! Trouble is, that I've had these clients...have you? It brought back memories and I realized I had quite a list of things I didn't think I needed to tell clients....but did.
Do not make repairs to a home you do not own yet Do not remove the sink in the guest bathroom before you move because "you really like it" … (59 comments)

buyers agent: Information Overload Or Just Plain Lazy? - 05/25/11 12:16 PM

This is a bit of a rant...sorry! I have a new listing in a very desirable neighborhood. I expect multiple offers this week and I knew that I'd get a lot of phone calls on this.
8 calls in the 3 hours it's shown as active!
HOWEVER
Most of those calls didn't need to happen. My agent remarks are so thorough....so complete...that if they would only READ them, they don't need to call me.
I try and be patient I try and be understanding I try and listen and respond and correct But I want to jump through the phone and … (18 comments)

buyers agent: Here's A Call I Don't Want To Make - 05/19/11 04:26 PM

 
"Why Hello....Remember Me? I was the one who had to call a few weeks ago to tell you that all you real estate transactions had just fallen a part?"
Well..maybe that's not how to start. Maybe an email is better. Or flowers with a little note? Yikes....
Some of you will remember a series of blog posts I wrote from the bottom of a bottle my cabin over a deal that was dying (and died) because the lender was in an audit and ultimately shut down by Fannie Mae?
Yeah...those clients.
Sooo, minding my own business today getting my … (11 comments)

buyers agent: Lost The Seller.....No, I Mean He's LOST - 05/12/11 01:46 PM
Lost The Seller.....No, I Mean He's LOST
"Olly Olly Oxen Free"......"Come Out Whereever You Are"!!!!
We've lost a seller. Not mine...but the seller on a short sale my buyer is trying to buy. Won't return calls, won't return emails, isn't home (yes, I've driven out to see if I can find him).
The bank is ready to issue the approval and need updated paystubs and bank statements, and we can't find him. The home is scheduled for Trustee Sale next Wednesday and we can't reach him..not even to hear that he doesn't want to do this anymore...at least tell us that.
… (16 comments)

buyers agent: Lesson From The Lakers.....Keep Calm And Carry On....Please? - 05/10/11 07:40 PM

Lesson From The Lakers.....Keep Calm And Carry On....Please?
My beloved Lakers were swept from Round Two of the NBA Finals. Now? All H*ll is breaking loose. Calm down!!! That's my advice (no one has called me for that, by-the-way).
In 1939, the British Government created posters with the saying "Keep Calm and Carry On." These were designed to give the citizens the boost to keep a "stiff upper lip" during a possible invasion in the beginning of the Second World War....they were never used.
The posters were found about 10 years ago and I'm sure you've seen all the products … (25 comments)

buyers agent: What Is An Orange County Buyer's Agent? FAQs About Buyer Representation - 05/08/11 11:08 AM

Buyer's Agents are commonly misunderstood. When we represent a buyer, we are working for THEM. We are there to make sure they get the best terms they can and to help them along the way to the close. This is a simple and yet complete presentation of that duty.
Via Peggy Chirico, REALTOR® 860-748-8900 Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate (Prudential CT Realty):
When I am speaking for the first time with potential buyers, one of the most misunderstood aspects of buying a home concerns buyer representation. Although we have had buyer representation in Connecticut since 1996, many people still do not … (1 comments)

buyers agent: I Think The Other Agent Is a Honey Badger! - 05/04/11 10:43 AM
I am working with the oddest agent I've ever seen. This woman just doesn't care about anything. She is the listing agent and just isn't doing ANYTHING. It took me a week to get escrow open. I had to pick up the disclosures from the sellers myself. I can't get an answer on repair requests. Nothing.....She just doesn't care.
The Honey Badger!
Have you seen this video? My son showed it to me last night I think this is her. I really do! She doesn't care if there is a water leak. She doesn't care that we are late on title and HUD … (22 comments)

buyers agent: Post Mortum....Do You Spend The Time When A Deal Dies To See Why? - 04/18/11 10:35 PM

 
 
I don't know if you realize it (that's sarcasm) but a deal of mine died this week. Months of work on my part, and more importantly, dreams on the part of my clients. It's sad for all concerned, but now is not the time for emotions....it's the time for analysis.
Every transaction dies for a reason...and without going into the "not meant to be" arena, I always spend the time to analyze the situation and see what I could have done better.
I know we all strive to be the best we can...and failures are the best source … (53 comments)

buyers agent: Why Do Sellers Wait Longer For The Cable Guy? We Are Trying To Sell Their Home!!! - 03/29/11 10:36 AM

 
I read a post today by Tish Lloyd decrying the 24-hour notice required by some sellers, and why she has a buyer who sees this as a red flag.
24 Hour Notice is a Killer!
It started me thinking.
Of course I too agree that the 24-hour notice is a killer! She's completely right! And my buyers also get so annoyed to find out they can't run out this afternoon to see something which just popped up...it kills the excitement! That's not good.
But as I thought about her post it occurred to me that I have sellers … (24 comments)

buyers agent: Wading Into The "Feedback" Debate Waters.....Is It Really Feedback You Want? - 03/01/11 12:43 PM
What are the steps you take when listing a home for sale?
I bet you run comps.I imagine you visit the home and talk about assets and liabilities of the home.I would think you point out the busy street, high wires behind the home and street noise.I suppose you would discuss price.I assume you suggest decluttering, staging.
You walk into the listing appointment and present yourself as a professional. You don't tell the seller "I'm going to take this listing, guess on price, and then wait for feedback to let us know what we should be doing to get it sold." … (38 comments)

buyers agent: Understanding The REO Agent Can Lead To A Deal! - 02/21/11 03:10 PM

 
I find that many REO agents have one trait in common...they are proud beasts with little time for the rest of us, you know...those who are bringing them the business.
Ok....now for the disclaimer..."not all REO agents, I've worked with many who are very, very good at what they do and easy to work with." Whew....glad I got that out.
So....on with my post!
I'm talking about those who have the air of superiority in their voices when we call with....oh that's right, an OFFER.
If the property is in decent shape and priced correctly, no problem. We can … (14 comments)

buyers agent: Do Your Buyer A Favor.....Ask Them To Write An Offer!!! - 02/18/11 12:45 PM

That's right...I said it! Asking for the order/offer/sale is doing your buyer a favor. Why? Because the buyer wants to buy! The seller wants to sell!  How do you know?
*They are taking time from work to see homes*They are spending a weekend day to see homes*They have gone through the grueling process of a pre-qual*They are saying things like....."This would be a perfect room for 'blank'*They are cleaning/painting/sprucing up their home for you to see*They are packing up on a moment's notice to allow a Sunday morning showing
We've all heard these "buying signals." So why don't we act … (15 comments)

 
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