I got a call over the weekend from an agent that ripped my rear about not returning a call.
Seems he called me a week or so ago and asked a question about a short sale property that I have. This property shows about 4 or 5 times a day, btw. I remember his message.
So he calls me and tells me that against his better judgement, he is submitting an offer for the property he called about and he is faxing it to me. I said thank you and that I am sure he found the answer to his question in the agent remarks before submitting. He said "no". I asked him if he read the MLS listing and in particular the agent remarks that had COMPLETE instructions on submitting to this particular lender processing the short sale. Again, No.
He went on to rip me for not returning his call to answer one simple question about the submission...I apologized and said that all the instructions were in the agent remarks in the MLS listing and while I do answer all my calls, on a priority basis (current clients, banks in negotiations, new customers first), I just didn't have time to respond to questions that are already answered.
I thanked the agent for the offer and told him I would be in touch as soon as knew anything and that if he had further questions, an email would be best to get a response. He told me I was "rude and thoughtless" and I let him have his last shot as we got off the phone.
After I got to thinking about it, I told my wife about it...she's is a great sounding board for me, especially when I second guess myself on the way I handled a particular situation...her response was just as the title said:
You're not rude, that agent's just lazy.
Everyone is already in a tizzy about the crazyness of dealing with short sales, why cant' we all just be polite and professional? People with a short fuze belong in a different job. Your wife is right.
I would agree that the other agent is the rude, lazy individual. Generally I also find these individuals possess a rather over inflated opinion of their own self worth.
Ron, you add those agent remarks because you need to for those agents who do not skip over it and are looking for those remarks...for those conscientious agents who do it right!
Nick--I try to give an agent all the tools and instructions they need to effectively show and write on my properties. It helps because it SAVES the buyer agent AND me a lot of time. It's the right way to do it, in my opinion!
Barbara--well, it was right there for every agent to see (not even as a pdf download like some of the short sale instructions I have to do!). Just not sure they ever looked at the MLS on it...but I guess they had to since they knew it was a short sale! :)
Man I hate mud slinging over minor stuff. This is an imperfect business and even if someone has a point (valid is in the eye of the beholder), that is no excuse for not treating each other with professional courtesy and respect on the phone. Even if I don't like an agent and I have a valid reason NOT to like them, I treat them like gold because I want them to do business with me for the benefit of my client, plain and simple. I wish all agents did that. Good luck with this one, you are going to need it!
And of course the flip side to this equation, the agents who put virtually no pertinent information in the MLS and get mad at you when you ask the unanswered questions........
I've been giving written instructions in a transaction for 2 weeks now CC to ALL parties--and ONE insists on CALLING me to basically read back to me my own instructions--and then argue with them.
I had commented, but, must have done something wrong as it vanished!
I just wanted to say that things are currently rough enough in this business for all involved, especially short sales/foreclosures that can drag on and on for months and be soooo stressful. It doesn't help when one of the parties isn't aware of how the game is played to the lenders band.
It sounds like you tried to do your best in your MLS comments to avoid some of this. If he didn't read the comments shame on him. If he did read them and called with a question regarding submitting an Offer for the potential/hopeful buyers I can't imagine why he would have waited for over a week before calling back. And about being rude -- it's never helpful and rarely gets the desired result.
To play devil's advocate for a moment: Sometimes what seems perfectly clear to one person isn't so much with another. It isn't that we don't know how to read ... it's just that sometimes the terse comment section just doesn't explain things fully enough. Before writing an offer, I almost always call an agent to determine whether there's any additional input that might be pertinent.
Ron, I agree. It can be really hard to keep up with all the calls and it's especially frustrating when someone else doesn't pay attention to the listing.
On my listings, I note in the remarks to check uploaded documents for access instructions. I was still getting so many calls. Recently, though, I changed my phone message to say to check on the MLS for access instructions and I'm amazed at how fast that cut down on returning these types of calls. Might be worth it to put it on your voice mail if you are getting a lot of calls on things that you are providing on the MLS.
You handled that call in a way that I wish I could have handled it. When I get those calls, I usually "let him have it". Then, when I explain the situation to my wife, she tells me that I was too abrupt. Kudos to you pal (and you wife)! I'm working on calming down, but it's taking time. One thing that we all have to remember is that not all agents update their information on MLS as they should, and we need to work with those that are checking before acting. Great Blog!
Ron - funny we got a similar call today too - LOL - wonder if it was the same person? There were going to report to the bank - HUH? We work for the seller! ~Rita
It's tough sometimes to get people to understand (in a professional manner) your side of the deal, but sounds like you did it right. Experience also helps...they'll get it someday!
That drives me crazy, too. I'm sure the other side has a version of how the conversation went, so it's nice you went to your wife and not a neutral party to see if you are right or wrong. I happen to agree with you, though.
Ron - your wife nailed it! I am amazed at how agents don't take the time to read the remarks in MLS. I have both REO and short sale listings and we always have instructions in MLS on submitting offers; I would bet that for each REO property I receive at least 3 or 4 calls a day asking questions that can be found in agent remarks and it does seem that a lot of these agents start off by being rude. It's not a good way to start a 30 - 45 day transaction.
It takes a team effort. If the buyer agent is lazy up front and does as little as possible (not even bothering to do his due diligence and and read what the listing agent has communicated on the best way to present an offer) or the listing agent uses the 'I am busy' excuse (and quite a lot of agents have BADLY misused this to the publics and their fellow agents detriment) then we have a less than ideal situation.
Here is an idea....buyers agents do your job. Listing agents do your job.
And while we are at it...being curtious cost you nothing and gains you much
On the flip side of things -- there are a lot of listings that have comments and forms, but for whatever reason, there ends up being something "missing" when going to write an offer. Or honestly , sometimes the agent has posted the wrong information to the wrong property - go figure. In any event, it is understandable that while an agent gets busy regarding returning calls, it is also understandable that an agent writing an offer wants to talk to a human before they write the offer. While this agent sounds like they did not read anything you put in the listing -- it is a wise choice to make a call to the listing agent before writing an offer, even if one has read every single thing they have written and posted. Our 2 cents from running into agents who have posted info that has nothing to do with the particular listing.
Reading is apparently an overrated skill to some agents. The part you missed? The agent told you loud and clear - I will be a pain to deal with. What more do you need to know?
Listing instructions are not always all encompassing and they may not have answered all of his questions.
Listing agents who refuse to communicate with buyer's agents are the #2 cause of the frustration of selling short sale.
Of course, banks that refuse to communicate re the process being the #1 cause of short sale buyers walking.
Keep your eye on the goal and get the house sold. Don't worry about personalities. Return the poor agent's call and give him some help to get the house sold.
I must say this other agent is in fro a "rude awakening" whe it comes to short sales ...if he feels his question aren't being answered now just wait till he's in the Short Sale Process and wants immediate gratification...boy of boy that will be hard to swallow for an agent not working in short sales.
Hmmm. .I should try the same approach to get my short sales listings approved. . I have a few things to say to those negotiators that don't return calls. . .
I'm amazed at how often an agent calls me to ask me to FAX him the property disclosure form. The form that is attached to the MLS for his convenience. (& mine) Since I took the time to scan it and attach it to the listing, I resent having to FAX (who faxes anymore?) because he/she is either lazy or too technologically impaired to retrieve it from MLS.
I too, prioritize my call backs and I think you did just what you were supposed to do.
One thing we must remember is that at one time we all were new agents. So maybe the caller truly needed a short return call to answer a simple question to some, but a question nonetheless to him. If I was unclear on something I would call. Now that is different than not reading attachments at all. My inclination would have been to return the call, just in the interest of helping my clients the sellers sell the house. But that's just me.
I know we want to bash the agent for not reading instructions but..A week and you didn't return the phone call? That's not good and I personally would have been a little upset at you as well. Of course I would have rang your phone off the hook after 24 hours.
Unfortunately, when a transaction starts off on the wrong foot, it takes a lot more effort to turn it around. Being a short sale, there are bound to be several more rude encounters-but I really hope not.
As with everything it is not black or white, but rather gray. Good job on putting all the information at hand and redily available - however a quick call to say read here would have been in order.
You sound efficient in that you put all the info in MLS. Sometimes I do call the agent however. One thing that I want to know is if there is an accepted offer that hasn't been updated in MLS. I have written enough offers on homes with contracts on them, that I don't want to waste my time and have egg on my face with the buyer.
I think you should have returned his call. Not everyone has as much business as you, and people expect their calls returned. Having said that, this agent was quite rude. If he says he's making an offer "against his better judgment", he's not representing the best interests of his buyer who wants the best chance of it being accepted.
It sounds like you're an extremely busy guy so I can understand your aggravation about having to take time out of your day to state the obvious....the agent should have read the private remarks...if he had, he wouldn't have had to call you, and he wouldn't have been in such a snit when he finally got ahold of you. That being said, I think you should have returned his call....it's good business, it's in the best interests of your seller, and there's no telling if he had another question that could not have been answered via a thorough reading of the MLS listing.
Sounds like you 2 got off on the wrong foot....hope things right themselves again, especially if you'll be doing business in this transaction. :)
You are making the assumption...silly you...and me....that agents can read....and beyond that ...spell short sale...OR admit they can do neither...oh not...blog on !
The best thing about real estate is that anyone can get into it......of course the worst thing about real estate is that anyone can get into it including the not so bright. I make mistakes too but when it is pointed out that it is my oversight I say "sorry I missed that" and move on. This agent clearly is one of those people who blames the world for their issues. Good luck Ron they sound like loads of fun. Cheers.
Ron it is times like that that I wished I were not a realtor so I could give him a good piece of my mind....BUT...then I would be just like him....RUDE....good job.....
....and this is but one of the MANY reasons I only list my available rental properties in our local MLS if they are vacant and have a lockbox....unfortunately, Agents who call me and have NOT reviewed my instructions for them to pick up applications from the RED FOLDER on the kitche counter and submit ONE EXECUTED APPLICATION for each adult applicant do not understand why I won't FAX an application form to them.....it is ON MY WEBSITE and it is ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER....
Per usual, your wife is CORRECT. The Agent is LAZY!!
I have closed a couple lately that involved agents who are non-existing, tells their clients to call the listing agent etc...
One of them sent a txt msg to let the client know that the deal closed, with the combo to one of my lock boxes - and instructions to call listing agent to get the other keys...
Another one seems to just spew threat about this and that - never mind the fact that closing was held up 3 weeks by their lender... Oops. I am telling ya, this cross-qual idea seems more and more appealing everyday.
Actually, we had to deal with this same situation back in the late 80's and early 90's and OI am so glad that we have dodged the bank owned bullet here in Texas. You might want to try and return calls. Eventually the gravy train of multiple calls, showings and sales for those agents representing banks runs out and then the rest of us remember how we were treated.
If you represent the seller I believe a return call was in order. This agent had taken the time to show youyr seller's property out of THEIR busy day and was entitled to a five minute call.
You could have lost the best offer for your seller, and that's a problem!
There's really no excuse for not returning his call. I don't agree, that it makes you "rude"... it simply makes you busy. Assuming that you apologized for not returning his call... that should be the end of that.
In the meantime, the agent has not done himself any favours by aggravating the person who will be advising the seller as to which offer to accept. He's identified himself as an angry agent who will likely be difficult to work with. Hmm... I think he's shot himself in the foot.
I believe in returning calls. I returned one yesterday and it rang a few times then went dead. No VM or anything. Not sure what happened. But without being able to leave a VM the agent probably thinks I didn't call back. Unless they check the caller ID.
I also believe many agents are lazy. I find they seldom read the MLS listing or agent remarks. They just pick up the phone and call. I answer whenever possible.
I also don't believe there is any excuse for an agent to be unprofessional. Buyers or sellers agent.
I think the issue goes both ways. There is no excuse for the other agent to berate you before they submit and offer (or at any other time), but it only takes a few moments to return a phone call.
And, the moral of the story is....drum roll....Listen to your wife. I might add also...Wives, listen to your husband. If we have managed to be lucky enough to find a great partner then don't waste their input by ignoring it. Yin and Yang can balance and it can make sense of nonsense.
It pays to be professional, polite, and forgiving of the dumbass mistakes others make. Could be somebody had already pissed in that guy's cornflakes before you heard from him. Don't take it personally. Think about it and you'll realize that you had a much better day than he did.
I can't remember how it was worded but in one of Gary Keller's books he commented something to the effect that when your business grows to the point where you can't provide the same level of customer service to your clients you need to hire someone.
This is not, imo, about being courteous or rude to another Realtor. It's about that fact that by not returning a call from an interested Realtor you may be doing a disservice to your client.
In a short sale, it's not the bank that owns the property. There is still a family involved that we represent. By not having the bandwidth to reply to all possible inquires and offers quickly and accurately, we are not doing the best thing for the client who has put his faith in us.
Any one call from a Realtor could potentially be for a cash, full price offer. If you don't return the call and the buyer goes away, you'll never know. If the buyer's Realtor who is calling didn't do his due diligence by reading carefully, your client shouldn't be the one who loses out.
Now - from the buyer's agent point of view, here's what he experienced.
He had a client who wanted to make an offer.
He decided, that he wanted to talk it out with the listing agent before submitting the offer.
He called the listing agent and the listing agent blew him off.
When he finally did reach the listing agent, the listing agent said he did return calls but in order of importance.
The listing agent was, in essence, saying to him that his call was not important.
The buyer's agent has a client that he must answer to.
This client is getting frustrated.
So his claim of you being rude was coming from a place of frustration.
I have no doubt that you provided complete accurate info on the MLS. That's not the point. There are a lot of Realtors who don't. How is a buyer's agent supposed to know who is doing it well and who is not? I personally can tell you that there are A LOT of Realtors who put things in the MLS that are accurate at the time of data entry but when things changed, the Realtor did not make the updates.
A buyer's agent who assumes that the info put in the MLS by a seller's agent is accurate is asking for trouble. Sad perhaps, but true.
I work in good sized office - about 70 agents. One of the more common water cooler conversations over the last year or so centers around other Realtors who take on REO and Short Sale listings and then don't return calls from buyer's agents because they are overwhelmed with inquiries.
I get tons of spam from companies promising me REO and distressed property listings. The "Shadow Inventory" is the latest. "Take on these listings and make tons of money". Fact is that if you look at it from a "work to fee" ratio, the money you earn on a short sale or foreclosure is probabaly a lot less than a traditional listing. So in choosing to take this route we know, going in, that the money isn't any better and the amount of work is more. That should not change the level of service we provide.
Hope this gives a different view and food for thought.
We do our very best to return calls within one business hour unless in an appointment. That said, if I had to miss one, it would definitely be the one which was answered clearly in the MLS. If he had a different question, he could have called back with the question that wasn't answered.
Maybe not lazy ... maybe just "green" and was looking for some guidance. If that agent "lazy" or not has a great offer ... are we not doing our sellers a dis-service by not taking the time to assist ... just a little?
Well, I can only speak about my own experiences on short sales, reo, forecloses. I think having my finger nails removed with pliers would be more pleasant an experience. There has only been one agent that I would love to do business with again, or, share a drink. The rest - well, manors are only part of what's missing.
Yes, you must read the agent remarks. But, come on - what the heck do all the initials stand for and did I read the requirements correctly? It seems like, to me, there is a complete new language being written by those agents that "specialize" in these sales. Its a cross between texting, government acronmys, and something the agent just made up.
Its not MY offer. Its my clients offer (the one who called the listing agent first, but never got a return call). They want the house even though I have shown them homes that are a much better deal (IMHO). Can I put them in that house you listed with their current financial statements and loan qualifications? I'm not sure. I need an answer to a few questions that may or may not be in some form of latin in the remarks section.
I've called the different numbers trying to get some assistance from someone more knowledgable - someone like yourself who may have put a deal like this together before, but the they all go unanswered. I feel a little pressure because the buyer has NO loyalty to me or anyone else. They have experienced the other agents ineptitude and I really want to make them like RE agents for some dumb reason. Maybe, they will be loyal to me, if only I can show them how hard I will work for them to get this crappy house?
Ron, you sound like a nice guy. But, I don't mind a return call at 9 or 10 at night. If I don't pick up there is an answering machine for you to leave a message. I don't care how busy you are - take less work. Stop taking listings and telling the owners and banks you have a team when it is apparent you don't - or, inform your team how they can help.
I have a good friend that happens to be the HUD broker for our area...he does the training for how to sell HUD homes and he has a saying...always remember RDR...REALTORS Don't Read!!! I have found this to be true. I have detailed instructions on one of my listings in MLS about how to access the beach on a waterfront home and I get feedback saying...it's so far to walk to the water! DUH!!! I tell you about the walk to the water in remarks...once again more proof that RDR!!!! I feel your pain!
Thanks for all the great comments. I've thought a lot about the way this went and while I should have returned this agent's call, it does get frustrating when a buyer's agent doesn't use the information you give them.
On the flip side, I have returned several calls on this same property to buyers agents because they said they wanted to discuss the offer before submitting. I guess I heard this agent who left the message and he said "I know that this property is a short sale but can we submit a higher offer and ask for 6% seller contribution to closing costs as my buyer's program allows that". The instructions specifically say "short sale lender will not allow more than 3% seller contribution under any circumstance". I thought that was pretty clear cut and they probably answered their own question after they called.
I should have returned the call...
BTW, the offer did come in...28% under list price, no seller's disclosure, no short sale addendum and a 24 day closing period on a financed, short sale offer.
I am shocked and chagrinned at the number of ActiveRain agents who think it is ever okay for a listing agent to NOT return a call from a buyer's agent.
Was the buyer's agent out of line in berating the listing agent? Probably... although we don't know his/her side of the story.
But that is beside the point. If the listing agent had returned the call all of this discussion would be moot.
I always give a courtesy call to let the listing agent know an offer is coming, but if I have a question, I would like to get a return call. I will call a listing agent with questions EVEN IF there are complete line by line instructions (I can read very well) in the MLS if I have a unique situation or if the instructions are not clear. I will also leave my question on the voice mail. I certainly wouldn't have waited a week to hear back. I often times will also send an email if an email address is provided in the MLS. I realize we are all busy and can not always immediately respond to calls and email is the easier way to get a response. With this being said, I do also believe I will have a better chance of hearing back if I am professional. I must have my clients best interest in mind when submitting an offer and if that means talking to the listing agent so I can submit an offer that will provide my client the best chance in buying the home, that is what I am going to do.
Oh boy, this is one of my pet peeves. I hire a service to set up all my showings (I have 120+ listings at any given time). In AGENT REMARKS it states clearly how to set up a showing. I don't know how many time a day I still field calls from agents who want to set up showings and don't read my instructions!
Great Post! I understand your frustration with agents who don't read the agent remarks......I deal with that sort of thing on a routine basis with HUD properties. Usually the agents are just green and don't have a clue how to sell that type of property. It is the agents responsibility to educate themselves on how to work with a particular type of sale, but new agents don't seem to understand that simple little rule. Our markets are full of lazy agents, but we must keep the clients best interest first in dealing with lazy and/or uneducated agents....which would mean answering or returning the call. The other agent was "out of line" too!
Unfortunately, as short sales become a larger percentage of the home sale market, a mechanism must be set up deal with communication issues. It is difficult enough to deal with the short sale lender and obtain an approval. You definitely should have called back the buyer's agent. Perhaps you could then send a form e-mail explaining in greater detail the short sale procedure for this particular property. If you cannot talk to the agent right then, arrange a mutually convenienttime. Why make things more difficult? You have passed up a potential buyer.
You showed considerable restraint in how you handled the situation. I agree with your wife's assessment. How many times have you been asked for something when it was right in front of someone the whole time?
Rudeness is arbitrary while laziness is habit. It makes me think of that old joke by W.C. Fields. He bumped into a lady on the street who quickly proclaimed, "Sir, you are drunk", to which he replied; Madam, I may be drunk but you are ugly and in the morning I will be sober and you shall still be ugly!
Ron it doesn't make sense to me that he would basically chastise a person that he would potentially be doing business with. I guess you meet all kinds.
I'm going to take a different view on this one as did #23, #34, #37, #44, #46, #47, #67, #73 and many others.
While that other agent sure seemed high on himself and there was no need to rip you one like he did, and he was a first class bozo for being so rude on the phone, the way to not have confrontations like that in the first place is to simply answer valid correspondence and voicemails in a timely basis.
I myself get a little miffed when an important VM or email goes unanswered for that long as you did. It's common courtesy. No matter how mundane or obvious the question was, and I do realize it's a short sale situation, but one week is way too long and borders on inexcusable. More importantly, who know where it will lead. Every phone call I return I look to be a new opportunity, period. It's the optimist in me.
I once received some valuable advice from an acquaintence that was very successful in life, yet the type of guy you would never know by his dress or the kind of car he drove how successful in monetary terms this man really was. He was more than likely far more important in the business world than any of us here blogging away on AR can dream of being. This guy answered all his own phone calls promptly. He was the type of guy who would treat unimportant people with importance when he clearly didn't have to. He told me every phone call was a new opportunity and to treat that opportunity as you would the most important thing you do all day.
With all due respect, returning all valid phone calls as that one appears to be, is the thing to do. Sometimes we think we're more important than we really are and I'm just as guilty of it as other people. It's something we can all fix in ourselves.
I can't stand it when the agent makes themselves unavailable. I am a negotiator, I gather as much information as possible, thats why I call. So many agents leave out so much needed information, because they are not pros, just order takers.
I use to hate, "email agent with any questions" , but I have found some agents respond fairly quickly via email, so I can work with that.
I understand you said the listing had all the info, even the answer to the question this guy asked, but no listing has ever had all the answers to any deal I have written.
I agree that the agent was being lazy. I also think that a return call is good business. Even if the call is to point out that it is in MLS already. You never know who is on the other end of the phone. His call may have been a test regarding your responsiveness and customer service. I have had realtors test me frequently with questions that I know they know the answer to, but they say they do it to see if i really know what I am doing. I would return the call as a good business practice. You never know. I think of how many times I have asked stupid questions in my career and figure that it is my way of thanking those who answered my questions.
I think every agent should read the agent remarks. However, I do think you should have returned his call. It would taken just a couple of minutes, and most likely got his voice mail. Where you could have instructed him to review the agent remarks on the MLS. I think he was rude, because he didn't get a call from you.
There are a lot of agents out there that do not read the instructions in the MLS for submitting offers on short sales and foreclosures and yes it can be frustrating dealing with agents like this. However I would have returned his call and pointed out to him that he needed to look in the MLS for all the instructions he needed to submit an offer I don't believe ignoring his phone call was the right course of action.
It doesn't sound like you were rude at all. Especially with the "against his better judgment" remark. I won't deal with rude people myself. I've tossed a couple of commissions away because my so-called clients treated me disrespectfully.
It's says a lot about your character to let him have the last word. It would be great if agents could be more "nice". Just nice.... There are large ego's in Real Estate and unfortunately they get in the way sometimes. Good luck if the offer is accepted!
This is what I don't understand . . . I read your blog, and sometimes buyers agents might have a question that is not covered in the listing sheet. So they'll call. I call all the time, and email agents, and wait . . . it can get tedious. And among the comments I read "I hope he does not end up with the best offer." To me that's a very interesting comment. It's so reactionary and mean-spirited.
Hmmm... maybe if you are too busy to return his call, a secretary or someone you hire could do it for you? Communication is key in real estate. While I do think he was not nice to you as a result of not getting a returned call, I also don't appreciate not being called back and make every attempt to return all calls that I get (especially from other agents and prospective clients) on my listings. Just my two cents.
This is why I love Active Rain. Real life stories with real life commentaries. This has helped all of us to "get it".
I have called the listing agent for information not realizing the info was right there on the sheet. Then I flt like a mustard seed. But there are times when I needed additional info that was not written and couldn't get a hold of anybody. Very frustrating.
Ron, you wrote "I do answer all my calls, on a priority basis (current clients, banks in negotiations, new customers first), I just didn't have time to respond to questions that are already answered."
I'm obviously in the very minority here, but I do think that was kind of a rude answer on your part. Here's someone with a potential buyer - even if you return their call and tell them or their voice mail very briefly the answer in one sentence and point out that this info is in the instructions on the MLS - please refer to them, it would have been nice. It would have taken about 2 minutes, and made a nice impression. In real estate all any agent really has is their reputation and not creating positive relationships can only hurt in the future.
I have to agree with Amy #95 above, I think your response about the reason for not returning the call was also rude. I think the other agent may have been rude but that may have been a result of the frustration of not having his call returned. I think sometimes listing agents forget that the buyers agents are usually working with buyers who are frustrated or stressed and want answers quickly. I know that I like to talk to listing agents before I submit an offer and sometimes have a simple question that could clarify issues for me or my buyer. I also know that too many times the information in the remarks is incomplete or incorrect so I routinely call before sending over offers just to make sure that everything is correct. Countless times I have called and gotten no response, sent emails with no response and then submit an offer only to get a response that the home is already under contract. If my call had been returned that would have saved mine and my buyer's time as well as prevent my buyer from becoming emotionally involved with the home. I think we have all gotten so busy that we may have forgotten that real estate is a people business.
I can see that you have heard this a few times here already, but, wow - when I have shown a property and I call the listing agent with questions, I am livid when they don't return my calls. I have brought a qualified buyer to a property on the market and I am being "dissed" by the listing broker - for a week? H-m-m-m.
This, of course, is no excuse for his being rude to you. We need to all remember that this is a profession deserving of professional courtesy.
I will also add that your wife was absolutely correct to side with you. As my husband would say, "That's my job!"
Sometimes good communication is very difficult. We misunderstand each other and get bent out of shape over nothing really. We're human. It's so easy to jump to conclusions about one another, but what we need to do is stop, and help our clients and remember that as our goal. Personally I think both sides handled this poorly in some ways. It happens to all of us and hopefully we all learn from it. Best of luck with everything. These are difficult times. And thanks for sharing.
Ron - I also get agents writing offers ignoring specific instructions in agent remarks. I don't know if they miss them? Or don't care or think about the big picture of writing the short sale offer? It is frustrating having to explain it on the phone when the instructions are on there. I would return their phone call, however, asap. I think other agents are my customers, too!
Ron - I always read the private remarks to make sure my clients have a chance. Why agents behave like this is silly, and does not help the whole transaction.
Could you not have had the common courtesy of texting something like "please read the listing comments?" . . . . instead of completely ignoring the call? Do you not want offers?
Ron, take a deep breath! Maybe you need a vacation. You sound like a very analytical business type of guy but remember we are in the people business, and put yourself in his shoes - how would you feel if you had been ignored for a week? While I think he should have been proactive and call you back before a whole week - I think his asking if he put in a 'higher offer' maybe they would accept 6% - that is a question I might ask even if it was in writing. We all know banks and programs change everyday. And a someone a few comments ago menitoned, agents do not always keep the comments current. He had no way of knowing that you were so efficient.
Bottom line - Communication - it's critical in our business.
Maybe the other agent is lazy - maybe he's a complete newbie and this is his first transaction? Of course your wife would be on your side, she should be, but one of my pet peeves is when I make a phone call and it goes into a BLACK HOLE - meaning I have to keep remembering to follow up with someone who is just 'too busy' or 'too lazy' to return my call. So there is frustration on both sides.
I'm glad you wrote this post and had time to think about it. If you are this busy, first of all congratulations, maybe you do need a vacation and when you come back, you need a great assistant to help you so you can give the level of service your clients expect.
Ron, I appreciate that you provided detailed instructions on the mls for the agent, so many agents aren't that thoughtful. But you should have returned his call.
I see remarks such as "as is" or "seller to do no repairs" on bank owned homes here all the time. Truth is the banks are fixing up the homes and they do make repairs, IF the buyer's agent is smart enough to ask. A simple phone call can go a long ways to speeding up the process.
I always call the listing agent before sending over an offer on a short sale. I want to know everything I can about the financing, home and bank. I also want to know if I'm getting my buyers into a transaction with an agent that will keep me updated on the progress or will disappear.
Hi Ron - I have no idea why some agents simply ignore what we post on MLS. I recently had a condo listed that needed lots of work. I got bids and submitted them as attachments to the listing. I got calls from a number of agents asking what work needed to be done, how much I thought it would cost, whether any repairs were needed (!), etc. I referred them to the attachments and most of them said something like: Can't you just tell me?
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This person sounds like they are going to be a hoot to work with. Lots of luck on that one!