I'll admit it, I struggle with giving feedback after I've shown a property. Especially when I've shown 12 to the same client. Remembering is one thing, what to provide is something entirely different. Here's some suggestions both for listing agents and buyer's agents alike:
Listing Agents
1. Be brief in your request. I've used simple one line sentences on an email or a quick call to a cell phone & had good success. Anything beyond that makes me as a buyer's agent not want to go through the hassle.
2. Give some info that will jog the memory. Sometimes it's a picture that can do it, sometimes a verbal description. Obviously you don't want to "incriminate" your own listing. "You know, the aqua green house w/ the Brady Bunch wallpaper & the deck that's falling off..." Be tactful, but also helpful.
3. Don't get defensive. Sometimes when agents & buyers rip apart your listing, you're inclined to agree--sometimes not. Some agents take it as a personal affront when remarks about price, cleanliness, location, etc. are not the way they see it. Arguing probably won't get you an offer, and it may just alienate that agent from showing another one of your listings.
Buyer's Agents
1. Just do it. Take those few moments out of your day to help your fellow agents out. What goes around comes around--which is important to remember when you're on the list side. Agents may not remember every detail of every transaction over the past 10 years, but they do know who's notorious in certain situations, feedback included. You'll look better to your fellow realtors, and the seller, which helps more than you know down the road.
2. Substance sells. Provide something of substance either from you or the buyer, because it helps the industry look better. The generic, "It's our first time out, we're just getting a feel for the market", doesn't help anyone. What would improve the listing--price, condition, staging? Offer a tip or two.
3. Don't sucker punch. There's always positives & growth areas on every property. Share that the yard is large, living areas spacious, but they were looking for 3 bedrooms on the main. Killing an agent on price or staging is not in anyone's best interest, and if your client is even remotely interested can slow eventual negotiations when you make an offer.
Also, one for both sides--be careful what you disclose! Like Miranda, anything you say may just be used against you. So disclosing something like, "Just bring an offer", "They need to be in by....", or any other piece of info. your clients may question you sharing in their absence would be worth avoiding.
Happy Houses!
Aaron
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