STOVEPIPING!

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STOVEPIPING!

STOVEPIPING!

"retrieval of information from unconnected databases; the situation that exists when it is necessary to climb out of one database in order to climb down into another" Dictionary.com

WHAT'S THE PRIMARY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REAL ESTATE PRACTICE TODAY AND THAT 20 YEARS AGO??

20 years ago, almost all of our contracts closed. Indeed. You wouldn't believe how hard agents worked. We did everything.

Real estate practice was much more local and agents were much more involved in the process. Loan officers visited our offices with rate sheets a couple of times a week. When we met with a new buyer, the buyer completed a Buyer's Financial Statement which we used to determined a price range for the buyer and then proceeded to help them find a home to buy. There was no Internet MLS or IDX. We agents did searches on crude terminals or dos-based computers that worked at a snail's pace. Generally, we relied on a "listing card" available to the office for the office listings. That's where we started every search, then went to the MLS to search. The important difference is that we were involved in every aspect of the transaction from the first contact with a buyer or seller through to closing.

This post was inspired by Rosalinda Morgan's excellent post today about here experience with appraisals, APPRAISAL IS CRITICAL TO CLOSE THE DEAL

MEETING THE APPRAISER. We ALWAYS met the appraiser at the subject property simply to show the appraiser the Lenn comps we used to price the property. We also explained the differences between the subject property and others in the neighborhood. I can't begin to list the number of times I got comments from fellow agents, "YOU'LL NEVER GET THAT PRICE FOR THAT HOME LENN, it won't appraise. I ALWAYS GOT THE CONTRACT PRICE, EVEN WHEN IT WAS OVER THE LIST PRICE. I have a tremendous respect and admiration for what appraisers do. In fact, I never had an appraiser object to my being there and often were thanked for the detailed background I provided.

O.K. Could it be my engaging smile? Or could it be the fact that I was early for the appointment, provided the appraiser with relevant comps, floor plans, etc.? Of course, I'd bring a bouquet of flowers if I thought it proper. O.K. We know it isn't but more valuable than flowers is information. Community brochures if available, copy of the contract if the appraiser doesn't have one, etc.

A comment by an appraiser on Rosalinda's post caught my attention. She objects to the listing agent being present when the house is toured by the appraiser. That appraiser is demonstrating one of the serious problems with our practices today.

STOVEPIPING!

The listing agent lists the property, negotiates the contract, but does nothing else until they cash their check. Doesn't attend inspections. May attend closing.

The buyers agent writes the contract (buyers find house), once the buyer is under contract agent does little until they cash their check. Doesn't attend inspection. May attend closing.

The lender processes the loan with the buyer and has no contact with the listing/selling agent. Refers question to the processor. Home Inspector

The Home Inspector is selected by the buyer from the phone book. The inspector may or may not meet the agent.

The Appraiser gets the assignment from the lender, works alone and speaks to no one, sends the appraisal to the lender.

The Title Company may be selected by the buyer, processes the title, survey, etc. and often communicates directly with the buyer.

STOVEPIPING.

It doesn't work and it's one reason the buyers and sellers don't trust or respect us or the process. The buyer is never confident with the process and not secure that they'll have a home as planned. The seller is not comfortable knowing little about the buyer and not secure that they'll be able to achieve their selling goal.

We agents, loan officers, appraisers, title companies, etc., are far to focused on the process, the Internet web sites, the databases, information retrieval, systems, etc. Further, each entity has it's own proprietary database and none speak with each other, often not even the humans involved.

AGENTS WHO ARE HANDS ON practitioners who communicate with every entity involved in the transaction from search to settlement CLOSE MORE SALES and DEPOSIT MORE COMMISSION CHECKS.

FYI. My first recollection of the term "stovepiping" referred to the post 9/11 investigations that revealed that the CIA didn't talk to the FBI who didn't talk to the DOD who didn't talk to the NSA, etc. They stayed inside their own comfort zone, didn't share information and NEVER CONNECTED THE DOTS.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

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Posted by Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland on 07/29/2010 05:35 PM

Comments (75)

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75 Comments on STOVEPIPING!

JUL

2010

OMG Lenn you are so right (as usual) !

It's true that though we worked harder 20 years ago, it was a little smoother! FYI I still meet appraisers on occasion to just drop off some information I believe might be helpful. I always meet the inspectors! And I do still miss my old MLS comp books we used to get!

Paige. HA! Only those of us who have been around for a while appreciate the skill it took to get the job done in those days.

Bingo Lenn. Stovepiping sucks - and it's basically irresponsible of all parties to behave in such a fashion. Lazy, lazy, lazy folks involved in those transactions!

Hit the "suggest" button! ;-)

CYA has changed things as real estate agents became the target of lawsuits, bad press and more and more of our pie had to be sliced.

I can remember when it was considered "bad manners" to discuss what one paid for their home.

Kent. Thanks. I agree. We can do a much better job for our buyers and sellers if we work together.

Wallace. HA! I remember those days too. Now everyone has access to the tax database and there are no secrets.

Lenn, no one goes into my listing, after it's under contract, without me being present. I always meet the appraiser. Ok, if the house is sold way under the comps, I might not. But that's rare so I'm there with my comps and my knowledge of the neighborhood. Just good business.

Lenn....20 years ago we did everything....when I met with an appraiser, I made sure I had everything that appraiser needed....3 comps, listing sheet, plot plan, deed, tax bill and blood type of the sellers....nothing was missing....if the town hall was closed, he had all of the information in hand....and I was thanked for that and never had an appraisal problem....we service our listings now the very same way.....we are there every step of the way....if the buyers agent doesn't want to be at a home inspection, we'll be there....no problem.

Lenn - I love the stories on how it was done before, no matter what occupation or profession. I could sit for hours and listen and wonder sometimes what they want back the most. Lenn, what is that you would love to have back? Is it not easier now than it was before, but I'm sure no matter how you look at there are pros and cons in the past and present.

Now, when I represent buyers or sellers, I'm at every inspection, every appraisal, talking with lenders, talking with title companies or attorneys. I treat every transaction like I was buying it myself. It is my motto - Der Kunde ist Koenig - the client is king.

I learned a new word today - stovepiping :)

Connie. INdeed it is. Indeed it is. Your practice is good and responsible. IMO, when a property is under contract, the keybox should come off and the agent meet anyone going in. Anyone.

Barbara. You are a good agent and a wonderful example of how good real estate practice is done.

Petra. Being at every event is 95% of getting to closing. Knowing the business is the another secret. What I would like to see back is every buyers and knowing their buyer's financial ability and every seller's agent making sure that the contract is from a qualified buyer.

I have never heard of stovepiping. But what you are saying makes alot of sense.

Evelyn. New words are fun.

I came in already computerized MLS. I have still seen those books, but it was the very end of it. Thanks for the prespective

Lenn, I've not hear of stovepiping. However, I've never worked a deal with a team that didn't drop the ball. Very similar.

Lenn,

I consider myself the hub in the transaction closing wheel. I am at EVERY inspection. I am there when the appraiser is there, I'm involved witht he title company, working back and forth with the closer. I expect to see the settlement statement at least 24 hours before closing. I expect to have a copy of the survey in my files, etc etc..

I'm not comfortable doing it any other way.

Lenn-I still do everything and often far more to get a deal to closing. Recently the "far more" has had me almost run ragged but many of my sellers are gone from the area and I've got to keep the deal moving in absentia.

Lenn, this market pulled the rug out. That said, "control" is essential. How else to close? This, from a Realtor in an attorney state, the most recent transaction requiring that I, the lowly Realtor, jump on the lawyers ass,hindquarter, because a financing extension had been (not sure it's legal) agreed to between the lawyers (no seller acknowledgement)...yet, the buyer hadn't fully loan app'd (despite a prequal letter)...60 days into the contract. I'm in hell.

Lenn: terrific post and look at the responses; most agents don't really know what hard work is--or maybe they do. At one point this year I sat down and did an "inventory "of what I have to do to be a successful agent today: I need to be a photographer, a techie (of sorts), a copy writer, an expert on local zoning laws, an appraiser (of sorts), a psychologist(of sorts) a math wizz, an analyst, a saleswoman, an expert on my locale, an historian (of sorts) and many more "odd jobs" that make up being a complete package when it comes to succesful real estate sales today....am I wrong?

Hi Lenn~ I am a hands on type of Realtor! I hold my clients hands every step of the way!

Lenn - Thanks for clarifying that word. STOVEPIPING is a new term for me. I'm used to working hard and can not leave anything to chance so I attend to all the details of my deal, meet the engineers, appraisers, termite inspectors, meet buyers to all showings, follow up with the lenders, attend all closings and making sure all the items on my checklists are done before the closing.

Lenn, we close our transactions and we are involved every step of the way. It is one of my pet peeves when an agent dismisses being involved in various aspects of the transaction. We are the hub, as Judi said.

If we are not on top of the transaction, something may slide and nobody will know until it causes a delay or blows the deal. If we are not on top of the transaction, who will be? If we are not on top of the transaction, how do we provide value to the Buyer or Seller and earn our commission?

I'm too much of a control freak to leave all that to others. I want to know who the inspector is. I call the lawyers and the loan officers and pester them. Of course, I remember the idiot terminals for the MLS and when LOs would drop off or fax rate sheets. It wasn't that long ago, really.

I might not technically be "old school" but I was taught by a broker who was...I am everywhere, talking to everyone...I never miss an event, from inspection to closing, you can see my smiling face. And guess what? My deals DO NOT bust. Ever. *fingers crossed that I have not just jinxed myself*

Lenn, Yep, I still do what it takes to get the property to settlement...make the appointments, meet the appraiser, attend the home inspecton, follow up with the lender and title attorney, keep the buyer and seller up to date...and go to all settlements! No lockbox when under contract.

...after all that IS why we get the big bucks!!

Margaret

Hi Lenn, Like you, I have been around a long time and did all of the things you talked about. I still try to, but the world, the laws, the technology have changed our business. But it did go better when we were involved in every step of the process. Thanks for the Post!

Lenn, never heard it called Stovepiping....My mentor called it Lazy! Gret post

Well...since I entered the business 20 years ago, I still do many of the things you've mentioned , the "old fashioned" way and frankly utilizing assistants has helped keep me more directly involved with my clients as well as the other participants all through the process.

I had not thought about this in awhile and though it does not happen all that often, I've had more deals not close in the last 4 years than in the previous 16 and pretty much for some of the disconnects that you have also mentioned. Good post pointing out things that in spite of many changes in the industry, we can still work to stay connected in a constructive way. I guess I am just old school that way.

Hi Lenn,

Well - I LIKE to think I have a good vocabulary - but this was a new term for me.

Ok - so I'm a newer agent.

I always show up at appraisals - with comps and what is on file with the municipality.

I always show up at inspections.

I don't write of contracts - since in NY it is done by an attorney.

My escrows are tracked throughout the nasty process of loan approval. I just had several emails today about one transaction and had was tracking down where we were in the commitment letter process on another one. It isn't over until its closed. I have one listing in contract that has had a roof leak (its a condo) so I have been checking the unit every time it rains and talking with management. I have a new listing coming on the market in which the sellers are not local. I brought in the painters, the sanders/refinishers, helped the stager and today was hanging curtains and putting on duvet covers.

That's just me... I don't know about what everyone else does.

JUL

2010

Lenn, I've learned a lot from so many AR members, but I must say that you consistently provide me with the most insight... Never heard of stovepiping, but now I know what it is. (Thanks!)

I'm very hands-on in my transactions. (The only time I don't meet an appraiser is when they do a drive-by without telling me.) And I think my client's like how involved I am with their transactions. After all, they commonly only buy/sell a home once or twice every decade or two, so they lack experience and comfort with the process. Hand-holding makes them feel secure and confident.

Absolutely right. The more hands-on we are, the better for our clients. They should benefit from our knowledge, experience and insight.

I've never seen or heard of one deal in the last six years where a buyer's agent hasn't attended the home inspection. I know it "can" occur, but that is beyond rare in our marketplace. From what I see in our marketplace, there isn't much stovepiping going on, there is a ton of communication. I do think hiring someone for 300-400 who spends a few hours on an appraisal with picking a few comps and making inconsistent adjustments (I see it all the time) and having the entire process hinge on this chaotic process is not an ideal way for this most important aspect of the pipeline to occur.

Wow! I TOTALLY forgot about those rate sheets and the shmoozy lender reps who used to come by the office Not that they aren't still shmoozy, but it was just all a lot more folksy back then. There were also only about three of them, and they never seemed to compete with each other.

Oh, and the MLS books that you thumbed through until your hands turned black! Yes, yes, simpler times. . .

As a newer agent I will take all the advice I can get! Thanks for the post

Lenn, I don't think I have ever disagreed with you anything other than this issue. I don't "works alone and speaks to no one". Every listing agent has an opportunity to speak to me when I call them to set an appointment. They also have access to my fax and email.

It sounds like many of you are used to working with appraisers who hide behind HVCC - which does not apply to appraisers! The same appraisers who inflated appraisals a few years ago are now being overly conservative in many instances and crippling our markets. Even though I am a real estate broker also, I was invited to speak recently at another broker's office about how to deal with out of area appraisers and less than credible reports.

Us old school agents are still control freaks! Great post Lenn!

Hi Lenn, another excellent post that helps separate the doers from the sayers, :-). My practice is 100 % hands-on and I tend to overdo most things like communication. I take every aspect of the transaction seriously and my clients have one person to rely on, ME. I am accessible to the clients and the agents alike. ( I take a lot of pride in that) As much as I use technology to help me in that process, I also keep to the ways I was trained , the old fashioned hand- on way.

Hi Lenn! I agree, EXCELLENT post! What is so frustrating is when you ARE a get-it-done, hands-on person and the other agent is is NOT at ALL! We have a good number of agents who are not full-service here, who will not even offer assistance in getting documents signed for us. We have grown to expect that from those agents but, when the agents who say they offer "full-service" behave in the same manner, it makes me wonder how can they possibly be doing their fiduciary duties?

Lenn,

How very wery true! Agents did work harder back then but I think the last couple of years the agents who still work as the Ringmaster of the circus work even harder and esp. on the deals that fail! I have to agree with Russell in comment # 28, that a lot more deals we work now, we often work for free! I wonder what the percentage of agents were part-timers 20-30 years ago? Very low I'd bet! I'm often amazed when people tell me tell want to get a license and sell homes "on the side" for extra money. I have finally given up on trying to explain it to them

For those learning new jargon - stovepiping is usually synonymous with "information silos"

Robert T. My first recollection of the term "stovepiping" referred to the post 9/11 investigations that revealed that the CIA didn't talk to the FBI who didn't talk to the DOD who didn't talk to the NSA, etc. They stayed inside their own comfort zone, didn't share information and NEVER CONNECTED THE DOTS.

Jon. The problem with the static books is that the agent had no ability to produce a rearch results based on price/features, etc. It was essential that agents preview new listings and by the time the book was received, the listing was already stale. Once the data was aggregated, daily updates of new listings could be produced. That was a tremendous assist.

LIsa. Indeed. I believe that agents (there are far too many) spend too much time generating new business and don't devote the intensity to case management that is required for smooth transactions.

Michael L. Be my guest.

Judi. So do I. The result is a very high percentage of closings.

Cindy. We do what it takes to get to the closing table. An agent's closing percentage is reflective of their case management.

Laurie. Working in an atty state leaves the agent with at least one hand tied behind their back.

Paula. You are absolutely right. A successful agent is all of those things and their effectiveness is reduced for each of those duties that are not a part of their practices.

Vickie. Indeed. As I've often said, "that's why we get the big bucks".

Rosalinda. Your practices describe how agents should manage a case. Your post was inspirational.

Frank and Sharon. Right you are and that's how we get to the settlement table, attention to all details.

Phil. It seems like yesterday. We learned the basics and knew how to do everything without benefit of technology. Technology is wonderful but it's never going to replace hands on case management.

Jenna. Good for you, and your broker. How often do we read posts on ActiveRain about closings that don't. Every time I read one, I see huge gaps in case management that would have avoided the failure on the part of the agent that caused or contributed to the failure.

Margaret. You bet. We DO get the big bucks because we earn them.

Jerry. Some procedures may have changed, introduction of technology, etc. However, one thing for sure, LICENSE LAW in most areas of practice hasn't changed much. Nor has the Realtor COE. What has changed is the culture that relies on technology for process and neglects the agent's role in the transactions.

John H. And when you have a lazy agent, they usually rely on the excuse that performing your duties may incur liability. GEEZ.

Russell. BINGO! More transactions are NOT closing. That's my point, or at least one of them.

Ruthmarie. Stovepiping has been in my lexicon since the 9/11 hearings.

Bill B. Your clients are entitled to the good service you provide. BTW, consumers are not expected to understand the process, we are.

Todd and Devona. BINGO!

Chris. If you want to know how many agents do NOT attend inspections, just post an article on ActiveRain recommending that they do and you'll see how many comment about why they DO NOT attend. What is so funny is that they are trying to describe an act of omission or negligence as a positive.

Cece. Simpler, perhaps. However, agents were more skilled with the tasks involved. We had to be. Shucks, until the real estate calculators were introduced, we had to know how to run ratios or PI without them. How many agents could to that today. In fact, how many today even use a real estate calculator. Most, but not all.

Stephen. Keep reading and you'll get a lot of help on ActiveRain.

Lenn:

I guess I am an old-fashioned type of agent. I guide every part of the transaction from start to finish and do not leave anything to chance. Miss a home inspection? Never. I have to see everything through. Clients always remember what you did for them - and this how we get repeat business and referrals.

Michelle DeRepentigny. It was your comment on Rosalinda's post APPRAISAL IS CRITICAL TO CLOSE THE DEAL that inspired this post. Your objection to agents being present when you appraise a property was revealing. In fact, your comment that agents meeting the appraiser included a threat of something dire happening if they did. Seems to me that, if an agent beleives that it is within the scope of their representation and duty of fiduciary to meet the appraiser, why does the appraiser even care?? "Looking over your shoulder" isn't what we do. As long as appraisers have only a brief "window of opportunity" to view and evaluate property value, what harm is an agent meeting an appraiser do??

Love your word, nice analogy

Kevin. We need more control freaks. Too much of it is out of our hands at the direction of the government and their ignorance of the dynamics of the home buying process.

William. Good for you and I'm sure your practice reflects the care you give to your clients.

Debe. They are NOT acting with a duty of fiduciary. Sadly, the consumers considers us all alike.

William Dean. On the contrary. There were a glut of part time, "second career" agents 20-25 years ago. They worked their sphere and sold 2-3 homes a year and were happy with that to supplement their retirement on government job income. Many, when they retired transitioned to full time and became successful. However, many simply never really got started after their first transaction. We learned many years ago that if the agent "on the other side" was a part timer, there was little to nothing that was going to happen during their "work hours", meaning on their government job.

Robert T. Right you are.

James. HA! Words are my life.

Claudette. Indeed. That said, when we get a first time home buyer or first time seller, they really don't know how hard we are working on their behelf.

My clints do because I TELL THEM. I keep my clients updated on every facet of the transaction. They are very relaxed knowing that I'm on the job.

I've never thought about that, very true. I remember the days, "Real estate practice was much more local and agents were much more involved in the process. Loan officers visited our offices with rate sheets a couple of times a week. "

Missy. I try to keep things in perspective and one thing that never changes is personal service to our clients. Technology for technology sake doesn't server well. We often serve the technology.

Great Post Lenn, I have always been a hands on type of agent, I feel as if I am doing my clients a disservice if I do not help guide them through the deal.

Malik. And that will serve you well over the years.

Lenn, twenty years ago everyone involved had one objective - to work together and take the transaction smoothly to settlement. Technology has taken the face-to-face interaction out of the equation which was often required to make a deal work.

Michael. My goodness, you are so right. I loved the old days when we presented our buyer's offers and could promote their qualifications. No chasing listing agents on the phone. Folks didn't live on voice mail in those days. You left messages at their office and they returned phone calls. Of course, few had cell phones because of the high cost, my cell bill was $500-$1000 a month and I could only get regional reception, nothing in southern MD.

Oh well. It is what it is.

I was only 17 years old 20 years ago, so I dont' know anything about carbon copies, or listing cards, or not having the use of a cellphone....However, I do know that technological advances and progress are inevitable. The main difference I'm noting is the lack of customer service, which is something that will always be required and will never be outdated.

Vanessa. The value of good customer service is fundamental and timeless.

My dear Lenn....

Well thought out and written post....... on the processing and walk-thru of today's Real Estate transaction. Without wanting to over-simplify the process.....when the process is practiced with regularity, it becomes a predictable routine...sort of like a 10 step program and not-unlike a check-off list. Start at 1 and when you get to 10, look down at either one of your hands and you should see a check...a paycheck. The sytem works if you work it..... and as you have said Lenn...Hands on rules the day......

Best always

Fantastic post Lenn, I so agree with you. I come from way back though and we still keep in contact with everyone and stay on top of the whole process. We close almost every contract because of this.

Lenn - Thankfully I was mentored by a great agent who taught me what I call the right way to do business, to be involved in the entire transaction from start to finish. Be there for your clients and give them updates, not the other way around.

Some agents today consider this going above and beyond or not something "they do," but to me this is the minimum if what we should all do. I think agents who aren't receiving referrals on a regular basis need to question their business practices.

Richie. Indeed. I'm fully in favor of check-lists. Those dates in the TIOTE contracts can bite you in the behind if you're not careful.

Ricki. As you should. Concientious agents close sales.

Michelle. Good for you. It's not only the best way to practice, it's the least risky.

Lenn, I knew who inspired this one :). I have no problem communicating with the agent, HVCC does not prohibit me from doing so. As far as meeting me, it usually disrupts my schedule and the agent's when they have to do so. I have a lockbox key for the agent's convenience, understand that I enjoy talking to agents and getting their perspective on the market, but it does distract me from the inspection process.

I only do complex property or FHA appraisals, so having a terrified agent who thinks I may "kill their deal" reiterating every upgrade in the house while I'm measuring & making notes just drives me crazy. This makes me sound like I am anti-agent, but I am just the opposite, which my locals can attest to. I just feel there are more efficient ways to communicate with your appraiser than meeting them at the property.

Michelle. I couldn't disagree more.

There is absolutely no better way to communicate with anyone, anytime about anything than face to face.

While you may condescend to receive e-mail or telephone calls from a listing agent, rejecting the value of the listing agent's community experience, the person responsible for pricing the property, negotiating the details of the contract, you're performing your duties without the insight posessed by only the listing agent.

I realize that appraisers work on tight schedules, but, unless an agent is late for an appointment, there is no logical reason to reject meeting with them other than contemp for their interest in the transaction.

I don't consider it "condescending" to talk to agents or take into acount what they wish to present to me. Unlike appraiser's who hide behind "I cannot talk to you because of HVCC", I give them the opportunity to present their view. I am just much more able to adequately review the info sent to me by email than attempt to absorb it while busy with the actual inspection.

If they want to meet me that is fine, I don't reject it I just prefer not to do it that way. I may or may not remember everything clearly about what they said by the time I get back to my office affter looking at 4 or 5 houses in a day.

Update: to Jean #68 , Never had I said I didn't want an agent's views & info....just please don't stand in my way when I'm taking photos, making notes, and measuring the house. I have said 3 times now I want your info!

We should be setting the road ahead for our clients. I consider myself something of a "Julie" from the Love Boat...always guiding, directing, overseeing - but at the same time we need to let our business partners do what they do best. Checklists help me move the process along for my clients.

And I second Lenn's recent comment regarding face to face communication being most effective, it works for me anyway. We should only have as much business as our resources will allow us to properly attend to.

Lisa. Thanks. I believe that one reason I have an almost 100% SOLD for buyers is because I work at a very intense level with them and I usually only work with one at a time. Sell that buyer and then accept another one. I do have other things going on in my business, but when I have a buyer working they are my focus until they buy, which is going to be soon or they'll be referred out.

Wow, I have gotten quite an education here, Lenn. lol I am adding Stovepiping to my vocabulary. Never heard of it.

Secondly, wow (Michelle) I think that if I were an appraiser, I would love to have the added information that we (interested) agents can provide. I will still, and always HAVE met the appraiser, it's just the way I was trained.

Lenn - I just spend about an hour with an appraiser taking him around a sub division - to many of the closed sale in the last three months - comparing the upgrades and additions my seller's property has compared to the other sales - floor plans, permits, certified surveys - you bet it takes more than just listing the property to get a contract to the closing table...

Congratulations this post is now featured in the Silent Majority Group of Active Rain.

JUL

2010

Jean. Your comment to Michelle is well taken. However, keep in mind that we were trained to meet the appraiser because IT'S BEST PRACTICE. We, as agents working in communities in our market area may have nuanced information about the area that could affect appraised value. An appraisal isn't an isolated incedent in the home purchase process. It's connected to many other tasks involved from original pricing to neighborhood features, etc. Michelle is not going to be persuaded to appreciate our role in the appraisal process by "how we were trained". When we encounter an appraiser who discounts our role in case management, we simply have to get by it and if the appraisal is unrealistic, make our complaints and follow the process. However, if I encountered an appraiser who avoided meeting me at the property for the appraisal, I would make complaints BEFORE the inspection. Of course, I also would have already have removed the lockbox immediately following ratification of the contract.

Nicholas. Good for you. That is what I call "BEST PRACTICE" and experienced agents know that it's always best to meet the appraiser.

Treating the listing agent like a potted plant shows a contempt for our role in case management.

Thanks for the feature. You know I'm a publicity hound.

Lenn, Your post brought back great memories. I remember the days.

Gita. What days?? Things haven't really changed for most of us.

AUG

2010

Paying attention to details...old fashioned service....those things should never change.

Sally and David. Indeed. Making a list and checking it three times is my procedure.

AUG

2010

Lenn, I've only been doing this for fifteen years but I've definitely become one of the 'old-timers'. I don't miss the old MLS books and I've given up all those card files for all my outlook management tools. I'd cry if I had to give up my lap top now or my smart phone, but I'm still very hands on.

I think those of us who still stay involved from listing or contract to closing will always have more referrals and repeat deals. I often have an owner call me and say, "You were the agent for the seller when I bought my house. Now I'd like to sell it." Why do you think they called me instead of the agent the worked with 5 - 7 years ago?

Loving it.

Marian. HA! I've had the same thing happen. I've had sellers leave the closing office and call me to help them find a new home. I love it.

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Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland

Leesburg, VA

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Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate

Address: Lovettsville, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Stafford, Woodbridge, King George, Fredericksburg, Leesburg in VA., Rockville, Laurel, Columbia, Baltimore, Waldorf, Frederick, Eastern Shore, Bowie, Harford, Annapolis in MD. , Maryland, Virginia

Office Phone: (800) 711-7988

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Maryland and Virginia real estate agents and brokers serving buyers and sellers with experience. Search listings in Maryland and Northern Virginia and get daily updates of new homes for sale by e-mail. Contact Lenn for a tour of homes. REALTORS available every day for home tours. Homefinders network of experienced agents and brokers includes new home specialists, resale specialists and luxury home experts. We can help you with your home buying needs. Homefinders offers discounted 5% listings for Maryland, Northern Virginia home owners. Experienced agents helping buyers and sellers in the Washington Metro area since 1985.

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