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Two agents/one client

How local do you have to be?

I have had several experiences as a Realtor in the last 6 months where I am one of two agents trying to help buyers frind a home. It seems to have more to do with where the buyer wants to find a home, and their indecision about that (usually related to what they can afford, or think they can afford) than wanting to have two agents. In all cases, there has been no deception, which I really appreciate --- the buyers have been really upfront, both with their needs and where else they are looking concurrent to our search.

It is important, I think, to have a "local" agent. How local is my question. I have decided that the best way to serve my clients' needs is to sell in the areas that I really know, and where I have made serious efforts to educated myself, and refer in other areas that I know less well, even if they are just 25 miles 'up the road'. I want to be able to offer advice with confidence about the schools, the flavor of the neighborhood, city government, what fun things happen there and on and on.

Do any of you have thoughts or suggestions about this topic? How do you handle clients' requests that you represent them in your area if you know there is another agent somewhere else? (I'm not talking about Denver vs. St. Louis, I mean one town vs. a near by middle sized city).

Posted by Maggie Bafalon, e-Pro, CHMS, CNS on 09/02/2007 10:25 AM

Comments (4)

agents, ethics, local knowledge

4 Comments on Two agents/one client

We frequently get indecive clients in our market. My comfort zone is pretty wide - a 30-40 mile radiuos. I just rejoined a 14+ office so I'm more open to referring or co-working (interoffice is allowed) clients.

I like to be the first one so at least I can possibly set them up with a referral with the other agent. This doesn't always happen.

Your last sentence gave me an idea, if the relationship is already in place with the other agent, what about asking the client that they will help set up a referral agreement where the agent who gets the sale provides a referral fee to the other? If nothing else it provides some level of payment for the services.

09/02/2007 10:46 AM

by Judi Glamb, Associate Broker, ABR (Coldwell Banker Hearthside)

In my area, most of the desireable areas are an easy 20-30 minutes away (you can't go by miles in Dallas traffic). I used to show everywhere, but now if the drive is more than 45 minutes just to get to our meeting place, I refer them off. More and more of the buyers are going further and further north, if I referred all those out, I would never have a sale. It's important to show your clients that you know many areas of your general area, not just a couple... just my opinion.

09/02/2007 10:49 AM

by Donna Harris, ASP (Re/Max HiNet)

I am in a rural area half way between Phoenix and Tucson. It a so vast that there is now way you would be fair to your clients to give them the impression that you are familiar with all of it. If I don't know the area I am very quick to find them someone who does

09/02/2007 12:17 PM

by Tim Haight e-PRO (Hawkins and Assoc Realty Inc)

Maggie, have them sign a Buyer Broker Agreement. This clarifies everyones roles and responsibilities and it also explains how you get paid. I find that the clients take you more seriously when you do.

09/04/2007 12:04 PM

by Kelley Eling (Marin & So. Sonoma Real Estate) (Pacific Union Real Estate)

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