Home : Blogs : Paul Henderson, Realtor ® Lacey & DuPont Washington homes : Paul's Blog

Dear Abby, I wrote myself out of a job…

About a month ago, an agent in my office asked if I would write a Linkedin recommendation for them. I did with a smile and thought of it as a compliment.

Last Friday, I went on a listing appointment and the seller kept asking me questions about this other agent. I found this odd and asked the seller why the listing appointment had turned into a testimonial for this other agent. The seller pulled out a pre-listing packet with a glowing testimonial by me of this other agent. I was taken aback at first, but then remembered writing the recommendation. Crazy as it may be;

I did write the recommendation

I thought it was limited to the online service

I do feel the other agent is all that I said she was

Is it bad form to use it in a pre-listing packet or am I just being a poor sport. I have never had, something I wrote, used to promote another agent over me at a listing presentation. This basically took me out of my rhythm for my presentation. I have keys that I use by the questions the seller asks but all that kept coming to my mind was this testimonial.

Should I confront the other agent but what can I say?

Signed, Confused and dismayed

Authored

by Paul S. Henderson, Realtor ®, RE/MAX Professionals & Four Seasons Inc.,

I am a Relocation Specialist and sell homes in DuPont, Lacey & Olympia, Washington.

*Visit my website at http://www.phenderson.net to search for homes in the South Puget Sound and NWMLS for anywhere in Washington State. All information is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted in any way.

Posted by Paul Henderson, Realtor ® Lacey & DuPont Washington homes on 10/07/2009 04:45 AM

Comments (110)

Testimonials in the ActiveRain Channel

testimonials

Post is included in group: Club Chaos
Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!
Post is included in group: RE/MAX Active Rain Bloggers
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: LATE NIGHT - EARLY MORNING AT ACTIVERAIN

110 Comments on Dear Abby, I wrote myself out of a job…

OCT

Paul, Can't you just take it out of the pre listing packet. I am all for helping other agents. I even blog about their professionalism etc... but we all gotta eat right?

Paul, I think you have been outmarketed. Why not ask the agent to write a testimonial for you and include it and others in your listing pitch?

Paul, I agree with Dave. I would not even mention the listing appointment and ask her to write a testimonial about you so you can use it on your turn around face-book page. Turn about is fair play in business, love and war. But then, that is my 2¢'s worth...

Helping you live your American dream...

Paul

Do your satisfied clients write glowing letters of recommendation to you? New agents have few references, she should have told you expressly what she wanted it for, as you later found yourself in an awkward position. However, hindsight is always nearly perfect.

Sorry this happened to you.

Don't worry about these small issues. You provided a recommendation that helped the other agent and that was a professional act. Move on to another opportunity.

Featured @ Club Chaos

Wow... I bet this is going to be a fascinating conversation. :-)

Hi Paul,

I see no reason why you can't pick up the phone to discuss it, if it's a big issue for you.

Rarely have I had a seller ask me directly about another, yet it does happen. The L.A. Times did an article in the r.e. section on interviewing agents, one question was to the effect, "If I don't hire you today, who would you suggest I talk with?" Basically identifying your biggest competition. I had the same posed to me during an appt, and I let the seller know I'd read the article. With that I answered directly and honestly.

You can't ask back for a testimonial once given. .

The agent simply has shown why he is better at marketing and why he should get the job. . I would learn from it and just go on. .

Paul, Paul, Paul. Why on earth would you write a testimonial for a competitor??? Why, why, why????That's sort of like digging your own grave.

Did you limit the use of that testimonial when you wrote it???? IMO, you're stuck with it. What did you expect the agent to do with it, keep it under the mattress????

I wouldn't write a testimonial for a competitor. In fact, I pursue them for money damages when they compete with me using my copyright protected maps.

I suppose that you could, with a chuckle, contact the agent and tell them that you want your testimonial back because they're using it to compete with you. But, goodness, what did you expect???

Paul, this is what I KNEW might happen if I recommended someone, but I have done it anyway. Here's why: I have been asked the same question, "If I don't hire you, who would you recommend?"

I have never had a problem recommending other agents...one, I cannot work with everyone and two, I believe we reap what we sow. In my opinion, if I am not confident enough to acknowledge other excellent agents and encourage potential clients to compare me to others who are outstanding, I'm not the best. If I am the best, when they check out the competition, they will work with me.

I have consistently beaten the competition with this confident approach.

I probably would just forget it and move on!

I would ask that other agent to write a letter of recommendation. Just my opinion.

Paul - Well that is a real kick in the pants, and somewhat of a dilemma you have gotten yourself into. I think you answered your own question, ask the agent to remove it from her pre-listing packet. Then repeat after Lenn, "never write a testimonial for a competitor." Good Luck.

I guess the big lesson (for all) is that if you're going to write a testimonial for someone expect them to use it and consider how they might do so. Like Lenn suggests, if they're a competitor, maybe you don't write the recommendation.

I agree with others that, at this point, you can't take it back. However, I doubt that it's going to be any significant issue for you going forward. The problem on this particular listing presentation was that it caught you off-guard. You'll be prepared to deal with it (maybe even turn it into a positive for you) on future appointments.

-Scott

There are some agent i recommend for my areas that I don't work. NE Columbia is JL BoneyETC. But if you are in my area I wont put a recommendation out there other than verbal. At this point I would ask her for that reciprocal letter and use it.

You can never take a compliment back or ill words back. As I always say, You learn something new about human nature every day in this business...

"I did with a smile and thought of it as a compliment."

I would not worry about it, I don't win every listing and don't have a problem if it's to an agent who I respect. Drop it and move on...

Paul,

Although I've never had a competitor request a testimonial, you've just provided one more reason not to even consider giving it!

Dear Paul, all's fair in love and war, and once you gave me the testimonial I couldn't resist the urge to use it, especially when I'm going up against you for a listing. Thank you, Agent unknown.

That is pretty sneaky and maybe your testimonial needs some revision based on their newly revealed character. LinkedIn does allow you to withdraw these things and then they can't use them because it is no longer true really. I would change it and confront. That is irritating.

Hi Paul,

Interesting. "Just goes to show, smart homeowners will Google and Bing information on the local Realtor(s) they would like to interview when they are ready to sell thier home."

I think if I were you, I would just file that information, learn from it, and develop a dialog that you can use if ever in that situation again. ( It could happen!) This incident has presented a great opportunity for you to revist your listing presentation and pre-lisitng packet and make some changes allowing people to see what makes you the "GO TO" person in your area, when selling a home. Use that testimonial as a powerful tool in your packet, that you have a great relationship with other top agents. Competition is good for the soul! I love competition, it's keeps me moving in the right direction.

While I truly understand where you are coming from on this Paul,I think I'd take the "high road" on the and feel flattered. Then smile and move on. It isn't worth "stewing over it!"

Patricia

Hi Paul,

But this potential client still called you and you had the opportunity to make your presentation. I would have addressed it and moved on. Obviously you are the more experienced agent or you would not be asked to write the testimonial for the other agent.

Linda Metallo, Re/max Impact, Lockport, Il.

Paul, being a nice guy, you did a good thing, wrote a testimonial for another agent, and it happened to work against you. What are the odds that you and this agent will go head to head again, and if so, as others mentioned, a testimonial from that other agent would be an appropriate way for them to reciprocate and for you to neutralize this issue if it comes up again. If you recommended this person on linked in, it may also be appearing on your actual profile page, on the right hand side "Paul Recommends....". It's bad enough the other agent has it in their listing presentation, but you may want to delete it from your linked in profile. No reason to promote a competitor on your personal on line profile. Who knows, maybe the listing will expire one day and you'll get another chance? Good luck and thanks for sharing.

Lets see...when did I ever see CVS write a recommendation for Walgreen's...am I mistaken? Maybe you need a caveat on your recommendation that says "If you don't use me, SSSSSS is second best!"

Paul: You can't take back the good stuff that you said, so you will just have to let that part go. My question is why did you write this person a recommendation ~ are they in your office? Did you train this person? If so, I would have turned it around on them and played the I helped train or mentor this person and THEY benefited from me.

But like Lenn said, don't do it again. Those chickens always come home to roost.

Paul, you obviously can't take it back. Maybe next time you could respond with, "Oh, that. Yes, I love taking other agents under my wing when they need a helping hand. When I was a struggling agent, it would have meant a lot to me to have a mentor. Glad to see they took my advice in including it in their listing presentation. It's good to know they're actually paying attention. Hopefully they're taking my other advice on marketing as well." LOL

I hate to say it Paul, but you've been outsmarted, outwitted and outlasted as they say on Survivor. That agent was a genius putting it in her pre-listing packet! She's playing to win. I'm with Lenn, I think you're stuck with it. ~Nyssa

Paul: You did a good turn. You will see that come back in multiples. See you soon at Rain Camp!

Wow Paul, some tough comments there, I don't agree with all of them. You can't control what people will do so if you felt the agent deserved a compliment then so be it. Where would we be if we always assumed that people are going to screw you. I mean don't we all help each other out here on ActiveRain!!!

You need to put a positive spin on this recommendation in any way you can. As one example of what I'm getting at... Is the other agent newer in the industry? If so, tell clients that you were helping out a fellow agent by giving that agent a recommendation to help get their business off the ground. Then highlight your expertise and experience on how you can better serve the customer! You are such a well respected agent in your area this other agent sought out a recommendation from you since you opinion matters so much and carrys so much weight in the area.

Paul it must have been a glowing testimonial since the sellers wanted to hear more of her directly from the horses mouth. It was, for sure, a turn of events that would make anyone loose their rhythm as well as their stride. Too bad it took you by surprise; now you will be prepared if it ever pops up again.

Why are 2 agents in the same office competing for the same listing? Unless you are the broker owner why would you write a reference for another agent? I am all for teamwork and helping other agents within my office but there is a limit. Maybe you and the other agent can work as co lisying agents on this one.

What goes around, comes around, Paul.... you did a nice thing, and now it's working against you.

Maybe tell that other agent to remove the recommendation online & from her listing-package, or you'll let others know what she did... and maybe include her name on your ActiveRain blog!!

Or next time, (if there is one), put something in the recommendation that acknowledges an area, either geographically or in skill sets/target business that does not compete directly with you in your areas. If the other agent is commercial and you're not, make sure to put that in the recommendation. Still playing nice, just not cutting your own throat when you do.

Still, kudos on doing good by your colleague. It will stand you in good stead.

Paul, how terribly annoying. My advice:

- Contact your (now) competitor. Tell her the story. Say that you do not give permission for your recommendation to be used offline.

- Inform her that you expect a referral fee should she get the listing and sell it. If she refuses ("we didn't discuss that upfront, Paul"), either...

- Revise the recommendation on LinkedIn to include a copyright and a clause that this is only an online recommendation to be used on LinkedIn (high road)

- Remove the recommendation from LinkedIn completely (perfectly acceptable and she should not be surprised)

- Tell her if that if you receive calls from potential clients who want to discuss the recommendation, you will not oblige.

Perhaps you were duped on this one, but that does not mean that you have to sit back and take it. Even gentlemen have to defend themselves - fight, man, fight!

Paul:

I feel your pain, and as stated in previous post, there was no limitations on the use of this information. The information is out there all she would need to do is say in her pre-listing package is go to this site --- and the client/prospect would get to see the testimonial on line.

So, I would try to turn this lemon into lemonade.

if you wrote, for me, a glowing recommendation, wouldn't i be foolish not to use it to the maximum?

have you checked? is it on his active rain profile, his website, and other marketing tools?

Hi Paul, WOW!, Sad that you do a good turn for someone and they do this. However, have to always look on the other side, which is, maybe she was so impressed with your recommendation for Linkedin that it was an after thought to put it in her listing packet and didn't even know she would be up against you for that listing. We have just taken a lesson from your experience though.

Second after thought, really like Dave Humphrey and Michael Thornton's advice, ask her for a recommendation as well and use it, touche!

Hi Paul -- I've had sellers during a listing presentation ask me what I think of another agent or two that they are considering. If I like this agent and I feel they do a good job, I will tell the seller this because I actually think it makes me look more honest, and self confident in my abilities. If I know this other agent is not someone I would want to work with, I simply decline to offer an opinion out of professional ethics and courtesy and leave it to the seller to draw their own conclusion.

I think the problem lies more with the seller than this other agent. If I were a seller, I would have viewed you as the superior agent as you were the one providing the recommendation, to me, that puts you in the driver's seat and makes the other agent look more junior, but that's just my perspective.

Paul,

Kudos to your competitor. He actually asked for a testimonial, he used it and it came back to haunt you..........Maybe, but that does show your character for writing a testimonial for a competitor. I would think that a client testimonial would carry more weight! If you asked for a client to write a testimonial for you, would you use it? Of course you would. There isn't a difference, except maybe you learned a lesson.

Hey what a compliment. He thought enough of you to use your testimonial in his packet. Gives you more exposure yada yada.

Look, inform him in writing that you do not give him permission to use the piece in his promotional materials other than the linked in page.

I agree with Lenn though, why on earth did you do that?

you are just being a little hurt by it nothing stopping you from getting testimonials from other agents as well when it comes down to it the clients will decide for themselves when they meet with you or who ever physically belly button to belly button as to whether those testimonials match up

Paul-

This is a tough one because of two factors, IMHO:

1) You actually do respect her work.

2) It seems as though it's miscommunication at work, rather than anything malicious or an abuse of privilege.

That said, it's hard to recommend a course of action, but these factors should be considered in whatever course you choose.

Great question, BTW.

Paul

She defenetly one uped you in Marketing, but I would agree with other agents to ask her to write you a recomendation if what you wrote is true then work with her and you both can become a force in the market.

I have done reciprocal recommendations, but not with another Realtor in my own market. I wonder if in that listing situation you could turn that into a positive. If the other Realtor asked you to write a testimonial, he obviously values you as a leader, and someone with credibility. Make him the student, and you the teacher.

I think anytime you provide and honest testimonial for someone you should not care how they intent to use it. I always tell my daughter "do not put it in writing unless you are prepared for ALL to read it". I would move on and learn the marketing technique.

The secret of successful selling is not ina situation when everybody agrees with you or compliments you for a good presentation, but in repelling any kind of negative attitudes or attempts to get off your selling pitch. I would read a little about confrontational selling and how to overcome unexpected turns of your sales pitch. I would say" Yes, I have written this recommendation for my fellow agent. As you can see I am a good writer and my opinion is valuable for my colleagues. Let me show you how I write my blogs and how my buyer clients respond to it...."

Paul, I re-read these comments. And I love what Lina said. Next time you're faced with that situation, that's an excellent response! That way you're still in control.

Hi Paul ~ I think you were mislead and this should not have happened. I don't think the agent was very fair in using the testimonial in her listing packet. She may not think of it that way, but may realize it when you ask her for a testimonial to include in your listing packet. (Right about then she will realize the implications of it).

You can give her full marks for creativity, it's simple fairness she needs a lesson on.

Denise

Paul use a small caliber with no serial number on the rifle...LOL.... Don't sweat it, your better than that..

I really like the advice of turning it around and spinning it as a wiser better agent mentoring and proud of their younger protege's accomplishments.

Paul,

If you really recommend and admire that other agent, and you guys are competing for the same listings, then why not consider teaming up? I teamed up with an agent in my area who operated in the same way that I did, and we have a licensed assistant and 12 other members of our team now. He's better at some things and I'm better at others. We make each other better by the sharing of ideas and technology. We're the #3 team in North Texas at mid-year 2009, and that was by design and not by accident. Maybe you two can do the same thing.

Ronda

Paul: Lesson learned, right? The lesson? Before writing any recommendation ... check to see where and how the recipient of the recommendation will utilize the testimony you are providing.

If the competitor had been upfront about how and where she was going to use the testimony you gave, I doubt you would have obliged her with it. If he/she knew that they were going to use your recommendation in marketing pieces that might show up in front of you at some point ... that fact should have been made known to you. IMO, that was a little questionable to do ...

Move on and forget it. It's really all you can do moving forward ...

Hi Paul, I say laugh it off...tell the buyers you wrote the testimonial because that agent asked you for one and they asked for one because they respected YOU.

It's all good.

I did with a smile and thought of it as a compliment.

Dear Paul,

You know the old saying. "No good deed goes unpunished." :)

Paul,

You helped a competitor, which in my opinion is good business. This can only create good karma and I am certain that good stuff will happen to you because of it.

Paul,

Stunning. This would be a relationship changer for me with that agent. Its done though, so all you can really do is chaulk it up to experience and move on.

Rich

That's a terrible story. Pay back's a _ _ _ _ _!!! Hope you get her, and smile when you do.

I realize you were stunned but I would of turned it around; "Yes I wrote him a recommendation. In this industry we work together and I make sure I keep great relationships with other Realtors so they will want to show your house."...

Paul: If you wrote the testimonial without conditions … then the agent has free reign to use it however they see fit. Ask yourself, why did you write the recommendation? If it bothers you, and clearly it does … discuss your concerns with the agent. If you feel the need to retract it … then do so.

Paul,

I have to agree with Dave, you did give the recommedation freely. I wouldn't hesitate to ask for a recommend from the other Realtor. We all need to work together to accomplish individual and company goals.

I would be interested in knowing if this agent asked for a referral from other agents in the office or his or her broker!

Paul I saw your response, "You can never take a compliment back"

One thing is true..you can't vouch for her on every listing she does. I would remove the recommendation on your linkedin profile..doing so does not mean you are taking back your words..it just means that you will no longer hold yourself out to be outwitted by this agent!

If she refuses to return the favor and I'm not talking about a half-____ed recommendation then you should feel less inclined to tell potential customers about this lady who might wind up with your sales with YOUR help!

Always ask:How are my actions with others going to increase or decrease my chance of making the sale?

Clearly this recommendation REDUCED your chance of making the sale, and this type of kindness is not helping you.

Charles

Business Plan Writer

www.mybuildingfunds.com

Paul,

Just move on. This agent has shown an ability to market herself well. We all have to work together. If the subject comes up in conversation, just let her know you were unaware of her intent. I'm sure she will be more than willing to return the favor. Personally I use every testimonial I can get my hands on, whether it be from a fellow realtor or client.

You can remove testimonials on LinkedIn - But kind of hard to take out of her listing packet.

Can't take them back? I would. I was ask for her to remove it from her listing package and leave in on LinkedIn.

She would want you to do the same. Or maybe not...ask the other agent what she would do if it were the other way around.

Paul, some agents will do anything to get a leg up.

I am appalled at this. I give referrals or recommendations on Linkedin but not for my area....I don't think. But, I am going to check. For that agent to do that was in essence saying, "Even Paul likes me. "

We had an agent in my office...who used recruiting post cards from other companies in her listing presentation .

"See she said, they all want ME."

Nope didn't agree with that either, I think she took advantage of you, but hey that is just one opinion and I didn't read all the 66 before me.

I wouldn't write a recommendation for another agent that services the same area as I do. Ask her to give you one to use or ask her to remove it. You have to do something because it is irritating to you. I would also pull this entire thread into 'members only'.

I also agree with #47.

Wow. That's some story. I don't know what I would do in that situation.

Paul, Great question. I agree with many of the responses. You did an agent a favor. You in return will reap future benefits. Do you know what questions were asked of the other agent? The other agent may have been asked why you as an agent would write a recommendation for another. If the agent is honest, you may have got a glowing review from her. I would discuss it with her and find out what may have taken place. We all do have to eat, but not each other.

I think the agent took advantage of your good nature. I'm going to learn from your mistake.

Kathy

Hi Paul, Actually, quite a funny story. You willingly wrote it and it came back and bit you in the ... Stay the class act you are and wish both parties well !

I agree, have her write one for you and use that tactic, it's a great one!

This would make me sharpen my claws. Have her write you a testamonial. I think she took advantage of you. An online recommendation should have been left there and not capitalized on offline.

It sounds like they got the better of you this time. Learn, grow and move on.

You=outflanked but next time you can say "If you can't get me then she's a good backup."

Great post! Lots of food for thought. I have given a few reviews for fellow REALTORS on Linkedin also. I must admit while writing them I was thinking that I shouldn't be too detailed because it may take away from ME, but I decided to sing the agent's praises truthfully. It is my belief that we are ALL each others bread and butter in this business and what goes around comes around. We are in direct competition with each other but unlike most other professions, most of us also rely heavily on each other for a paycheck! Of course, having both sides of a deal is so sweet but reality is, we are more likely to share in the commission with another agent either in our own offices or elsewhere so we need to be each others advocates and best cheerleaders. That being said, of course there are agents that I don't like and would not want to recommend to anyone. By the same token, I wouldn't want to say anything to disparage someone I didn't care for. If that were the case, I would find some excuse not to write a review or I would make it pretty basic.

Hi Paul, way to write a blog that's caught everyone's attention. I personally would be more annoyed that the client brought you in to talk about the other agent, as opposed to being upset with the other agent's shrewed marketing. That other agent clearly didn't do it just because she was presenting against you, and so I don't think there is any issue at all with her being innovative.

If it were me, I would be annoyed with myself for not winning the listing regardless. I would focus more on how I should have been able to win the client with the presentation regardless of that letter. As a seasoned agent, I would consider saying something to the effect of "I'm always willing to help other agents, and mainly work on training, etc... I will even write a letter of recommendation if I believe in them and they need help with building their business". I think the opportunity was there for you to take the advantage.

Having said all of that, it probably would have thrown me also. Once. So now you are prepared for any similar situation, and so am I thanks to your post.

Matt

Click below to read my blog...

Interesting... I do have to say I think it's a little odd and perhaps a bit devious to use a peer testimonial like that. I personally wouldn't mention it to the other agent, but would take Lina's advice... that is a great retort!

Paul

I feel your did the right on writing a testimonial was the right thing to do, I would ask for one in return.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Paul, you must be a great agent. Certainly a good person, you've built a good relationship with the agent that you wrote the recommendation for and since it was true you have nothing to regret. Ask for a reciprocal recommendation and use it. We are not going to get every listing and do we really want all of them. I count my blessings when I lose a potential client, it just wasn't meant to be. NEXT!!

Well, let me tell you guys, when you add all of your local real estate colleagues to your FaceBook friends, when they do a blog or use a site like Postlets that allows them to automatically put their listings on your FaceBook page, you are giving away business. When your FaceBook people click on that post, they are taken off the site to the site of your colleague, and will likely not come back. Instead, they will contact the agent whose post it is. My real estate friends know why they are not on my FaceBook feed. I love them all, but it is not my job to place their ads on a site I set up. If you have an Active Rain blog, do you post your competitors in your office or in the office across the street? Then why are you doing it on FaceBook?

Also keep in mind that if they should be less than scrupulous or are lax at following the Fair Housing Laws, it could come back to you, at least as a poor reflection if not a legal problem.

As to the matter of the recommendation, in my opinion, if you wrote it for him, I think it would be unreasonable to then put a lot of limitations on its use. You must have known he was using it to further his career. What other reason could anyone have for wanting one? Next time if this is a big worry of yours, do not give out recommendations to competitors.

Paul, I'm afraid I would have been thrown off balance too. I never underestimate the other agent these days. I believe I'd ask her to write an testimonial about you. Turn abouts fair play!!!

Wow....I had not even thought about this aspect of recommendations. That is a wake up call for sure. I guess even when we are being nice online it can come back to bite us. It is interesting to read the commentary on this post.

Wow! I have written tesitmonials on the behalf of other agents who I have worked deals with in regards to their professionalism, but nothing specific.

I always stress in my listing presentations that I have good relationships with other agents and part of my marketing plan includes marketing my listings to them. I have found that once you have a positive experience with an other agent it encourages them to work with you again. I know that houses sell themselves, but having good work relationship go a long way.

However, I can see how that could really catch you off guard.

Unfortunately "all is fair in love and war" and as much as we practise professionalism the fact is when we compete for a listing or a buyer it is economic "war".

I don't disagree with your largess of a recommendation for your colleague but have prepared a "why I'm the agent for you despite my recommendation" response if this ever comes up again should you find yourself competing with her.

I have some attorney and doctor friends and when they are asked by potential patients/clients about another they never give a disparaging word, but they will tell the prospect why they are better suited to address their needs than the other competent rival.

In the future you might want to write a glowing recommendation along these lines, "outside of myself, X is the best there is" thus praising them, but holding yourself out as the best.

WooHoo! What a story - and some very interesting comments. As many here have said - clever marketing approach, but at what cost? Does she really think this ploy will continue to make you think highly of her? Was it the RIGHT thing to do? I don't think so. And she might find it will come back to bite her in some way down the road. What comes around, goes around. And it doesn't have to come from you. It will come from somewhere....

Debi

Sounds like you received your answer from 'Dear Abby and then some'. I've never written a testimonial for a competitor. Why would I? But I have written them for many LOs in other areas and of course Real Estate Agents (but that would never come back and bite me). Doesnt look like you can do much about it now.

Congrats on feature.

I agree with the others who said to just move on, it's nice that you gave her a recommendation, maybe she will do the same thing for you. Best of luck! :)

I too wonder if this agent has asked others (competition) for testimonials as well, and if she has that doesn't feel good to me. Now we get asked often what do we think of such and such as the sellers are interviewing them. We certainly don't badmouth any agents but if we know that the agent is super excellent etc. we will say so. Once this happened it was us, this great other agent and a third agent. Apprently we said the great agent was great and he said we were and the seller ended up choosing the third agent - oh, well. ~Rita

Paul - although I think this was an intelligent move by the other agent, I would not have thought about putting it in a prelisting package. I guess you have taught all of us a valuable lesson.

Thats a easy one! "Well Mr. Seller my opinion is sought by many agents because I am one of the most experienced agents in the area this agent thought it may help them get more business by using my name."

OCT

Yikes! You were blindsided! NO FAIR! But I guess nothing is fair in love and war aka REAL ESTATE!!! There are quite a few good retorts isted above me...I would suggest reviewing those and taking thoise that are good, ON! But, I will say I like Larry Hultberg's response- it makes you the platform for other realtors...THEY ASKED YOU for assistance to sell THEMSELVES...HA! The ultimate revenge against this agent would be just what Larry said.."Well, you realize they asked for MY opinion and review..." Plug yourself baby!!!

I was just thinking what #93 said. I would have said it was like giving an subordinate a letter of reference. They solicited you, and that's the truth. I would have just gone with the truth.

"I do feel the other agent is all that I said she was"

Then how could you possibly "take it back"?

Some of the comments here blow me away. "All's fair in love and war", "Never recommend a competitor", etc etc.

It's no wonder the general public has such a low opinion of real estate agents and thinks we're all ruthless, cut-throat competitors.

I help my "competitors" all the time, and they help me. There are two agents on every deal, and there are lots of deals to be had. I'd rather raise the level of professionalism in this industry than worry about a "competitor" getting one listing.

I link to local agents all the time from my blog. And they link to me. This is an implicit "recommendation" of the other agent.

So what? There is a large group of "competing" agents here that LIKE to help each other. (Thank goodness) Ever been to a Real Estate Bar Camp and shared best practices? Ever been to a conference and done the same?

Why can't we all just get along?

If you were thinking quickly, you could have told the home owner that everything you said was true, they followed your direction and leadership and direction perfectly. What more could you want in an "Assistant?"

Clever on the part of the other agent. He or she might not have known you both were competing for the same listing either, you just don't know. Nonetheless, don't sweat the small stuff and move on to the next gig!

Paul - This is a tough one, but there's not a lot you can do now. I would be willing to write one for someone in my own office, but I am the broker/owner of the company, so I would never be competing for the same client.

Simple. Your answer is: "She's a good agent, just like I said in my testimonial, but I'm better." or "She's a good kid..."

Paul, I have had another agent send me a thank you note after a transaction that said without me in the transaction, it would have falling apart and do I use it "YES I DO!" Why wouldn't I? You can't blame her, but at the same time, I'm guessing she didn't know she was going up against you when she put her packet together either. Maybe you should have her write one for you and use it in your packet!

Todd Clark - www.LivingBeaverton.com

Paul,

You did what most professionals would do if asked. I cannot blame the other agent for using this in an attempt to get a listing so should you. I would chalk this up as a fluke that may not happen again.

The big issue about the situation with me is the fact that the potential Seller's questioned you, ad nauseum, about the validity and competence of another agent. It seems to me that the potential Sellers were using you as a way to secure additional information about this other person probably before they interviewed her. Did they simply use you as an enclyclopedia???? If so, then they've wasted your time and it probably wouldn't be the only time. If they couldn't have been upfront with you from the initial contact, then what type of working relationship would you have with them. Our business relies upon honesty and integrity.....and it goes both ways.

My 2 cents.

You should have said that the only reason you wrote a nice note about her is that you felt sorry for her because her business is so bad. So, you wanted to be a nice guy and make her feel better.

Paul, its one of the those things that doesn't feel good, but nothing was done wrong. Go after lots of testimonials of your own and put them to work. Keep helping others and it will come back to you.

Robby Leviton

It's good to help out others, however, in a situation like that, I would ask for the same in return.

Ohhh - you have 107 comments so far. I just have to say "Thank You for this post"! I will learn the lesson from it. Best wishes to you!!

I didn't read all the comments so I apologize if I'm repeating points. I doubt that the other agent's intention was to steal business from you. She may not have even known you were going on the same appointment.

Our company sends out surveys to the agents we've had cross sales with asking how their experience was in regards to how we performed. I use them in my pre-listing package as well to show that I play nice with other realtors. :)

Ask her for a recomendation as well. I personally wouldn't contact her and question her about it.

I tend to think you were out marketed as mentioned above.

I think you can put yourself back in the game with some of the suggestions above. I would think client testimonials would be worth more than one from another agent. Also, I like the idea of explaining that other agents respect your opinion so much that they ask you to write recommendations.

OCT

great story. Don't worry, your good deed will be rewarded!!

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?