A Realtor® friend of mine called me today to ask my advice on what to do to be sure his buyers were able to see houses while he's going to be on vacation for the next week and a half. He hasn't taken a vacation in years, so wasn't sure how to make sure his clients needs were being met. He explained that in the price range his buyers are looking in they've been making offers, but have been getting beaten out in multiple offer situations. He wants to assure that while he's away they won't skip a beat in seeing properties as soon as they come on the market and getting their offers in early.
My friend plans to take his laptop with him and to write up any offers and negotiate them on behalf of his clients while he is out of state. He was wondering what kind of compensation he should offer to an agent who would show houses to a couple of his clients while he's away.
I suggested that rather than doing a commission split, he might want to consider paying one of the office agents an hourly rate ($25/hr.) just to set the appointments with the sellers and open the doors for his clients. I have done this in the past when I just couldn't be in two places at one time. It works well because your clients feel that you're making sure they get to see the houses as they come on the market. And, they know that you are still the one who will be handling presenting the offer, doing the negotiating for them and walking them through the process to closing.
It's a win-win-win situation:
Buyer's Agent is happy...he gets a vacation
Showing Agent is happy - he gets paid without having to much more than just show up
Buyers are happy - they don't feel that they are missing out on making offers on properties while you take a well-deserved vacation
Over the years, I have been surprised when I tell my clients that I'll be away for a few days to attend a seminar or to take a vacation that they consistently are very supportive and tell me to relax and have a great time because I deserve it. Try it, you'll come back rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to deliver even better service after more training or some well-deserved rest.
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009
President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009
Marlene is an experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods (formerly Leisure World), Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo.
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Marlene - certainly one good solution. But how can he really represent their interests when he has not seen the house? Maybe some folks wouldn't mind but some might. Why not do a referral fee if the agent gets it into escrow, or even split the responsibilities 50/50.
Jeff