I had the less than frequent pleasure of working with an agent who actually returned her calls. And at that, in a timely manner. Well that is expected you say? It is the custom, the norm. When another agent calls with a question on one of your listings, or they call to set up a showing; you call them back ASAP. This is correct, right? How about if you are calling with the intent on putting a transaction together?
Oh my experience has been very much to the contrary! Yes, in this case, as seller's agent, I am trying to help a fellow agent earn their income. One would think that this is how it is done; agents returning phone calls in a timely manner. But, in many cases this is simply not the case. I have struggled to get a returned call while mutually working on a P&S agreement. Status updates, I call for them, but never get the common courtesy of a call back. This is unprofessional behavior, and how (or why it exists) is unfathomable to me.
However this is not always the case. I just closed a nearly seven figure transaction where if it could go wrong, it did. We had the first loan officer foul up the mortgage application to the point where the lender rejected it. The lender said they did not like the inconsistencies in the application? So I took the buyer to another lender (and another appraisal). The second lender, after some squawking, pulled out due to previously well disclosed visa/green card issues. So, on we went to the third lender. Fortunately we did not have to get a third appraisal, so we were able to get a loan together for this buyer. Oh, and while this was going on, we dealt with an issue that involved the neighbors, drainage, and several town boards.
But what made this transaction happen was good communicaton between the buyer and their agent, and the seller and their agent, and the two agents working together for the mutual good of the respective parties they represent. There were many skeptical points when it looked like the transaction was doomed by outside forces, but we kept it together, by talking. And I can tell you in today's age, talking is on your cell phone, And if you don't pick up your phone, you simply won't get a transaction like last week's done. I was lucky to work with an agent who called with news, the good, the bad, or the ugly. We talked it all through, and kept everybody on track...right to the closing table.
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale
All in the game, Bill. We don't always get the best agent to work with us. Change the plan accordingly and do the best to keep the transaction together.
Sep 14, 2010 05:17 PM
Crye-Leike Realtors - North Little Rock, AR
Good information William and I couldn't agree more. In fact I'm working with a Sellers agent right now that hasn't got me some paperwork that I needed 10 days ago and I've even faxed a request to her O/A and still no response. Very unprofessional.
Sep 14, 2010 05:20 PM
Spring Texas Keller Williams Professionals - Cypresswood - Spring, TX
Spring Texas Real Estate www.amandahomes.com
I prefer picking up the phone & calling instead of texting (it doesn't tell the whole story). It's great when both agents actually communicate on all issues whether it's something you want to hear or not.
Sep 14, 2010 05:24 PM
ProSmart Realty - Mesa, AZ
Reliable, Premier Personal Service since 2001
If I am having trouble getting called back from an agent...I usually say only "please call me back as soon as possible" or I like...."I have some good news"...that usually gets them to call back quick.
-Gary
Sep 14, 2010 05:37 PM
Crescent Realty, Inc. Spanaway, WA. - Spanaway, WA
CNE, CRS, GRI
Atlantic & Pacific Real Estate (US) LLC - Dracut, MA
Great minds think alike Billy! The title of my blog yesterday was "Answer Your Phone"! My Boston roots didn't allow me to say "Please".
Sep 15, 2010 12:13 AM
Absync Realty - Fort Myers, FL
For the first time ever, I had a closing last week, where I NEVER was able to get in touch with the buyer's agent. Just ridiculous. The title company managed, so it all worked out, but it was not easy.
Sep 15, 2010 12:48 AM
CR Property Group, LLC - East York, PA
Serving York and Adams County, PA
Real Estate Marketplace - Louisville KY - Louisville, KY
Louisville REALTOR
William ~ I'd love to see the stats of failed contract as a result of lack of communication that could have otherwise been kept together. Once the communication breaks down, the glue starts to give. Communication is key if one wishes to remain successful in this profession!
Sep 15, 2010 03:06 AM
Morris Real Estate - Bridgewater, MA
I have spent more time than ever before doing both my job and the other agent's job just to keep the transaction together for my client and still I have always given a 50/50 split of the commission. There are some agents that will only respond to email or text messaging.....this is completely wrong. Yes, there are times when a simple text message or quick email will work but there should always be a open line of communication between the agents. It doesn't take a lot of time to return a call. Some times I can honestly say that the calls for feedback from my showings slip through the cracks but never a call for an agent to schedule a showing on my listing or one involving a pending transaction. I think some sellers would be quite surprised if you could tell them that I called their listing agent multiple times to set up a showing and they would not return my call. The issue of working together to get a deal closed once it is under contract.....you think that would be a simple one. I don't know about anyone else but I like to be paid for the hard work I do so why risk the chance of the deal falling apart?
Sep 19, 2010 02:56 AM
Rainer
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William Tierney
"The Internet Savvy Realtor"
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My blog covers the towns of Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, Scituate, Weymouth and Marshfield. I try to keep you posted on current events of note that impact my market towns. You will find useful monthly market stats along with tidbits of local knowledge.
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