This is a simple concept! But how do you do with it? We obviously can't be everywhere at once, and yet that's what our clients and colleagues expect. So where exactly are we to be?

Be There.... when your buyer or seller needs to ask you a question.

We clearly can't answer the phone or email every moment of every day. But we do have the responsibility to check on these frequently. Make sure your clients know what is the best way to reach you....and what timeframe they can expect for a response. Always do what you say you will do....be consistant with your follow-up and you will find foregiveness for an unusual delay.

Be There....when the home inspector looks through the house.

I remember when this was normal for both buyer's and seller's agents. The condition of the home is the primary consideration, in my opinion. I see many seller's agents....equity sellers....avoiding this visit. They are so afraid of finding a problem, I guess. I'm also starting to see more and more buyer's agents send the inspector on his own....without the agent or the buyers. I suppose it's because they feel that the "problems" are going to seem less important on paper...or perhaps because so many homes are "as-is" it's just one more item for the file. But my advice? Be There and address the issues professionally....not every home is the perfect fit!

Be There....when there is an "hiccup"

I like to think that one of my main strengths is my ability to problem solve. This can only be done if you pick up the phone and find out what the problem is. This is the difference between a Professional Realtor and someone with a real estate license. A home purchase/sale is a very stressful time for our clients, they need to know that we are there with them. We are aware of problems and are working to handle them.

In this market....they include, low appraisals, short sale deadlines, "subject to" conditions for FHA...just some of the issues. Our clients do not know how to resolve these items, maybe we encounter something new too.....but they need to be able to reach us and put their burdens on us.

Be There.....after the close when they have a problem/question

A Realtor relationship is a lifetime one....isn't that what we tell our clients when we ask for referrals? But we build this trust when we take calls AFTERthe sale. We do our best to ensure everything is smooth, we give them home warranties and we do final walk-throughs. But when the buyer notices a leak that wasn't disclosed, or a fixture that was taken by mistake....we need to respond the same way we did before we got our checks. Be there too! Our duty and relationship does not end with the check.

If we take this to heart....and are truly THERE for our clients.....we are Professional Realtors, and that's what our buyers/sellers expect.

 

 

 

KAREN FIDDLER
Dre no. 01494165
Broker/Associate
HÔM SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
M 949.510.2395
Karen@SothebysRealtySoCal.com
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Post is included in group: BananaTude
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Post is included in group: Mentors: Agents Helping Agents
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31 Comments on Realtors Need To "Be There"

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

NOV
15
2009
1,155,568 Points 86 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Karen, I try not to be the type of Realtor that is never there. Responding to a client, especially one in which you have a transaction working is critical. After the contract is written, and every one is in that dead time when the banks are doingthere thingis probably the most frustrating for the clients, especiallythe sellers as they have nothing to do. After the sale, I have actually gotten referrals for forgotten clients just because the clients remembered who showed up at the closing and was there showing support. Thanks for sharing.

11:46am • #12
652,662 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Another great post Karen.  Being there is our job.  Excellent post.  :) 

3:04pm • #13
NOV
28
2009

Wouldn't you call before writing an offer for your clients? Why spend the time, build up their hopes, and cause them to feel let down, when a simple phone call could prevent the entire scenario.

1:40pm • #14
851,625 Points 183 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Walter....?????? did you mean to comment on another post? I certainly do call before writing offers, of course so few "Realtors" ever call back these days, but that's another post :)

1:53pm • #15
NOV
29
2009

Huh, maybe I did. Anywho its a great post and your correct, Professional Realtors are problem solvers, who remove the hassle and stress from the transaction.

12:41pm • #16
DEC
13
2009

I couldn't agree more.

1:52pm • #17
DEC
19
2009
2 Featured Posts

Good post. It is very important to 'be there', if not out of our duty to do so, then for the sake of servicing our Clients in the way in which they expect. Being there at the times that you mention can make a difference to whether or not a transaction closes, and whether or not you will obtain repeat or referral business.

2:37pm • #18
JAN
10
2010
548,545 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

This is a very good and timely post, Karen... Thank You for reminding us of what "service" really is...

11:12am • #19
JAN
24
2010
269,988 Points 7 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I agree a relationship isn't just formed but it has to be maintained and nurtured to be of real value.

10:26pm • #21
FEB
03
2010
492,837 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

In my market, it is customary only for the buyer's agent and the buyer to accompany the Home Inspector. Usually the seller (and their agent) are not there.

I agree with everything else, however. Great post!

2:13pm • #22
851,625 Points 183 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Holly, I'm always there when it's an equity seller. I want to hear for myself what "problems" are in the home. It's surprising how that saves items of nuisance showing up on requests. But with a short sale....as is, I don't always go since it really doesn't affect my sellers.

2:16pm • #23
FEB
06
2010
122,232 Points

excellent post and I agree that it is very important to repsond right away and keep in touch, the biggest complaint from sellers is their agent disappears after they list the house!

 

2:45pm • #24
APR
15
2010
212,359 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love the points you make Karen, but two things jumped out at me:

  • Professionals vs. licensees.  Everyone knows a licensed agent, but do you want your brother's neighbor's sister's big brother's girlfriend helping you buy your home or do you want a full time Real Estate Professional helping you buy your home?
  • Agents skipping the home inspection.  I'm seeing this too and it AMAZES me.  Recently, I had an agent submit her AVID with the offer.  I asked her if she was planning on skipping the home inspection.  I acknowledged the home appeared to be in excellent condition, but I would never miss a home inspection and she shouldn't either.  She showed up.  I wonder how many agents are going to get in trouble before broker's make their attendance at the home inspection mandatory?

I'm looking forward to working with you someday soon Karen; we're too close not to!

6:58am • #25
AUG
19
2010
142,363 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Karen, the majority of your post offers terrific thought. However, like Holly #22, it is not customary in LA & TX markets for Listing Agents to attend a Home Inspection. In fact, having a seller or their agent present would cause considerable unrest.

The Buyer is acquiring this information and there should be no outside influence from the sellers or their agent by being present. In these markets, the time to learn of, and deal with, any findings is after the Inspection has taken place and is handled via negotiation. While it migt be an accepted custom in CA, it is not in others.

Another reason why I enjoy AR - we all learn how market practices and customs differ from region to region and state to state.

1:45am • #26
OCT
09
2010
563,082 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good post Karen, our industry would have a better reputation if more agents thought like you. 

11:14am • #27
NOV
02
2010
590,158 Points 58 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Great message---I like the way you presented it.  Thanks for sharing.

2:43pm • #28
FEB
04
2011
115,913 Points 1 Featured Post

With all of the technology via smart phones, the internet, and texting opportunities, it is much simplier to "be there" than ever before.  I can be with another client, in a meeting, or on vacation, and my clients never know my location.  "Being there" is what successful real estate agents are all about.

9:43am • #29
MAR
10
2011
479,106 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michele is right - there are so many ways to keep in contact with our clients - even ways that we don't have to initiate!  Unless we "are there" for our clients - they won't continue to be OUR clients!  Thanks for the post!

5:02pm • #30
JUN
27
2011
Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Ken always says that if he doesn't answer the phone, someone else will. Being there is the most crucial step to success.

10:56pm • #31

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A Southern California Coastal agent's perspective on real estate and other things that interest me!

Author Bio: Karen Fiddler has been a Realtor for...



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