You Have Got to Be Kidding! Agents Function This Way?

I had an agent tell me that she needed me to bring original documents... email was not acceptable.  She was then going ot scan them and email them to the seller... and shred the originals. 

I asked why she wouldn't take an email, and she was worried about the quality loss when she printed them and scanned the prints to email to her seller... 

really?

None of the agents I know work like that. If they do they will be out of business very soon.

Sort of like hiring an electrician to work on your house and he arrives with a hammer and a belt!  Hmmmmm no tools eh!  Maybe I'll call someone else to work for me.  Don't be upset at her...You have to be scared of the clients that would let her work on their behalf!!

Wow.  That is hard to believe and I echo many of the replies.  It is a wonder the agent is still in business. 

Dagny:

That's pretty surprising. I get taking a day off, or having a colleague cover while you take some time, but this sounds liek someone who is more concerned about themseslves than taking care of business.

It's fine to set parameters...we all should...but this seems a but much. Wonder what his or her clients think. I would certainly think in the case of an offer that one mught be a bit more forthcoming about follow-up.

Jeff

I'd say get ready for a rough road ahead.  If you consummate the deal, this will be a difficult transaction - just a guess. 

Dagny, A very interesting post and comments. 

Interesting to hear Tony and Suzanne Marriott's input who only work during regular business hours 7-3 pm Monday - Friday.  Interesting in that there is obviously enough business in their area to work only with people who must not be working standard "9-5" hours.  Good for them.

Enjoyed your post.  All the best with your situation.
Gloria

Hi Dagny, & Simone (#6).

I also work the greater Metro Washington DC area. This past summer, I worked with another agent who did have a cell phone, but only turned it on when she needed to call out.  Someone in her office had email if I wanted to absolutely send an email.  I quickly figured out that we were going to speak by my answering the phone when she called, and by fax.  A number of times, I had to resubmit a fax because of crumpled pagees.

While I wasn't looking forward to working like this, I suspect her life is a lot more frazzled than mine. And I need to give her credit, the work she did was above reproach.  But it sure felt like I was in a different decade.

OMG Dagny.  I can understand wanting to take some weekends off to recharge, but no cell phone, no computer?  What year is it?  I've had times where I need to take some time to myself, but if I have something pressing, I always have the cell phone and if I'm waiting to hear back on something important I make sure there is a way to get in touch.  Wow.  That's all I can say.  Wow.

HI DAGNY!  Well, I've met a couple of these type agents and one had a good reason. The other was just being cheap.  I guess they are out there.  Still -- Gab

There is very little that we do that has to be done "right now" so I can see how an agent could work this way.  I dont , but I wish I did.  I would like to be able to manage my business on a 9-5 basis but havent been able to do it.

Maybe you were dealing with a listing agent or property manager that was trying to help the odd buyer, or maybe an agent that has a full time job, and cant get to the phone even if they had one.

Dagny - When I first started in real estate you could not sign any thing on a Sunday ..... times have changed and we changed with them ..... however ..... we all need some time away and while I do check My Blackberry Torch several times during the day My computer is not turned on as Sunday is my day of rest. I find that most people respect that and do not believe it has resulted in any lost business.

Not having the tools is one thing but choosing when to use them that's another all together

I say more power to her

I am sure the agent does very little business. Obviously her clients suffer severely.

Dagny, okay while I understand everyones opinion here, I am going to play devils advocate. Is it really such a tragedy that this agent chooses to separate business from family? It is quite severe I will admit, but how many of us wish we could do the same and have some clear cut off hours. I think the general public (at least here in the Gettysburg area) is becoming more tolerant of agents personal time, and not expecting agents to be on 24/7. I believe all of our offices are closed Sundays, and many are closed Sat as well. Is it such a bad thing?

"I do not want to stagnate - I am here to have fun - and the best way to have fun is to make new friends, to help others, and to learn new things every day!!!!"   Amen sister!

Dagny, Thanks for sharing this-I think there is a collective head shaking here on ActiveRain with this that could register on the Richter scale!

I have run into that myself, one thing that I learned really quick in this industry is...... Ready for this...... SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS DO NOT HAVE "NORMAL" BUSINESS HOURS! We know that most business to be had happens over the weekend and after 5pm during the week, we know that without a cell phone and a computer we are fish out of water and most likely sufficate and die eventually if we don't have the proper tools to keep us alive in this industry. I work Sunday-Sunday, answering calls, writing and returning emails, knocking on doors, doing open houses etc. etc. etc......I will take some "me time" off whenever I am on a tropical beach somewhere and able to do it at a week at a time, and its because I am working without "normal business" hours set in place I am be able to eventually take my luxorious tropical vacation someday.

If it works for them, who are we to argue. They've clearly set the parameters for communication, so there should be no misunderstanding.  I actually don't answer my cellphone after 6pm.  It is stated on my phone.  And I do take most weekends off.  My clients are not put off by it.  In fact, they work around my schedule because I put it out there when we first meet.  Of course, I'll go out if someone can only look on the weekends, but only one day.  I need a life too.