Special offer

OFFER? SURE! DEMAND...NOT SO MUCH.

By
Real Estate Agent with Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 CalBRE # 01188158

There is obviously some misunderstanding as to what Realtors are responsible for.  Simply put, we are advocates for our clients.  We help them sell their house or purchase their house in a responsible and informed manner.  Along this line of thought, I thought I would make a list of what we do.

We DO:

  • Consult with our clients regarding their real estate needs
  • Negotiate terms acceptable to all parties
  • Meet appraisers, inspectors and agents at the property
  • Write and review all documents pertaining to the escrow
  • Preview all properties in our specialty area in order to be knowledgeable about comparables and competition
  • Attend continuing opportunities to increase our knowledge and understanding of the market and all facets affecting the market
  • Show property that fits the parameters you have given us.

Now, there are times when situations arise that are outside of our normal responsibilities...and if we can, we are more than happy to step up to the plate and offer to help.  Sometimes the help is monetary, but more often it is labor...and that is okay.  The difficulty comes when it is not a "favor", but is expected...even demanded of us.  Here are a few things that we are not, and should not be responsible for:

  • We are not responsible for maintaining your house months or even years after it has recorded.  Remember...this was not our house.  We simply helped with the process.
  • We are not attorneys or accountants.  It is very important that you speak with the appropriate professional to get accurate information.
  • We are not free researchers.  If you plan on using Aunt Susie who has her license to write your offer, then Aunt Susie should be showing you property.  Our time has value.
  • Our commission is not there to be used as a slush fund for anyone who wants it.

Comments(8)

Ron T. Weems Jr.
Weems Property Group | KW North Sound - Bothell, WA
Managing the details one home at a time.

Paula,

You have a point. I think that when your clients are not given expectations prior to working with them they can get a little over demanding. It may be because that is what their last agent did for them and they think it is normal. It is very important to let them know up front what is expected of you and them to have a good working relationship.

Mar 08, 2010 05:57 PM
Dave Gill
Realty ONE Group - Las Vegas, NV
Broker/Realtor, Las Vegas, Henderson, Nevada

Paula,

 

These are some excellent points. Many times, Clients and Customers think Realtors are getting paid more than they deserve. Not realizing that time is the only commodity that we have. Nothing else.

Mar 08, 2010 05:58 PM
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Hi Paula, Setting boundaries is critical and even then some folks will try to run right over them.  We do all the things you indicated and one more, if all has gone well we finally get paid.  If they don't we often don't and our time, energy and expertise is not returned. 

Mar 08, 2010 06:07 PM
George & Arlene Paukert
Road to Wealth, Inc. - West Palm Beach, FL

Many agents fall down this slippery slope and start to get involved personally with their clients and then give away the farm and stop acting like professionals and are walked all over by their clients. (Big mistake, you are a professional, act like it)

Mar 08, 2010 08:38 PM
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate
Hi Paula, this is a good post and I agree with you that we are advocates for our clients.
Mar 09, 2010 02:12 AM
Leslie Prest
Leslie Prest, Prest Realty, Sales and Rentals in Payson, AZ - Payson, AZ
Owner, Assoc. Broker, Prest Realty, Payson,

It IS amazing what people expect, isn't it? But if you demanded anything from them it would different.

Mar 09, 2010 06:48 AM
Michelle & Joe Kaspari
Essential Home Staging - Sacramento, CA
Essential Home Staging, Sacramento

Looks like you may have had the same day I had....lol!

Mar 10, 2010 01:53 PM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

Paula

Our responsiblities seem to be infinite in some consumers' eyes. I guess we have to set our boundaries early on.....  or some tend to decide them for us, Good post!

Mar 13, 2010 05:23 AM