I've spent the past several weeks working with a buyer.  They are a tech savvy couple in search of their first home (unless you count a condo they bought several years ago and are keeping as an investment).  They've done their homework and found a number of places they wanted to see.  The first time out I recognized their ability to absorb a great deal of information and see an unusual number of properties without getting cross eyed. 

It took just two excursions to figure out what turned them on in a home.  Unfortunately, it wasn't the same thing for each.  As a matter of fact, I told them recently I'd have to find them two homes within easy commuting distance of one another so they could visit from time to time.  But I'm getting off topic.  The really surprising development for me, after showing them 50 (you read it right) houses, was the fact that I was invariably getting calls from the homeowners asking if the buyers were interested in making an offer.  In years past, it was only on rare occasions that a seller would bypass his/her agent and call.  In this glutted market on Long Island it's happening all the time.  Homeowners are having a hard time recognizing the fact that unless priced precisely right, homes are going nowhere.  It's easier to blame it on the expertise or lack thereof of their representative.

Geri Sonkin - Long Island Real Estate Expert - Stager/Decorator 

 

34 Comments on I'm Getting Calls -- Lots Of Them

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

NOV
09
2006
158,751 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Sellers do crazy  things sometimes. They never think the Real Estate Agent is doing enough for their money and don't realize the work, time and money that goes into each listing.
8:03am • #15
1,048,505 Points 396 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ok I guess I will have to be the lone wolf here again. I have a listing and MY seller calls every Realtor that shows his house and leaves a card. He is just so anxious to get feed back he has a problem waiting on me to get it to him. BTW I talk with him every day. He is actually a very nice young man and very well informed. He just has this thing about wanting to participate. So what did I do? I gave him the job of getting feedback. He is very polite and the other Realtors have no problem with him calling them. How do I know? Because I also call the other Realtors.

So there you have it, a different take. This would not be something I would want my sellers to do. But in this case no harm no foul.
8:11am • #16
9 Featured Posts
Geri its funny in todays market where properties expire, I use a drop off card that sticks out from all the rest. It gets me in contact with the sellers to relist the properties
8:17am • #17
221,087 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I also have a seller like that.  They want to be involved and as much as we communicate and he knows exactly what we're doing, he asked if he could call back for feedback.  I thought it would be a great idea, and it's working out fine.  I do warm everyone who shows it that they will get a call from the owner.
8:20am • #18
600,555 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog
As the group has said, it's not always a lazy agent - sometimes the sellers just can't wait a couple hours to hear from their agent. I'm fine when they call for feedback, but don't get in the middle when they ask, how should my house be priced? etc. I suggest they discuss this with their agent.
8:40am • #19
1,336,382 Points 128 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

As a listing agent, if I am not at the showing; I ask the sellers to get a card, and call me as soon as the showing is over. I then call the buyer's agent immediately while the house is still fresh, find out their objections and maybe even tell the buyer's agent about another one of my listings that may work for the buyer. Follow up is even more important in today's market.

Good point, Geri

www.Homerome.com
8:46am • #20
111,701 Points 23 Featured Posts

This post, and many of the comments that followed truly serve to emphasize the importance of the roles of Educator and Communicator that an agent must play.  If we effectively educate our clients about the process, they would know not to make those kind of calls that shout "Lowball us, please!"  If we communicate to our clients about the follow up we receive from buyers and buyers agents, they will not feel out of the loop.  If we take the time to walk them through the process, and provide them with the type of service they fell they need they will not feel the need to look for service from other agents.

Educate.  Communicate.  Fulfill Expectations.   If you do those three things well, you will have many satisfied clients.
8:48am • #21
Geri,
Your area is not too far from mine and the economics are not too far apart either... I'd bet you have tons of <2yr old agents that aren't too well trained in how to service a listing.  I think these calls come to you because you've left your biz card and their agent is too busy and/or lazy to pickem up.  I say busy or lazy because they are mutually exclusive ---- lots of new agents have spread themselves soo thin, grasping everywhere and anywhere for that coveted listing and given that the odds are in numbers...they've hit on a few at the same time.  The lazy can be combined with they 'just don't know...'  because no one ever told them how to service a listing and how to educate a seller in proper protocols.  And there is always that third group....the impatient antsy seller who just can't wait to hear what someone had to say about their home.  Allows us the opportunity to talk more RE talk with even more people!  brink on the calls...
9:01am • #22
131,525 Points Outside Blog
Under NO circumstances do I give out each others numbers. I explain we are trying to get our home sold with out comflict.
9:39am • #23
5 Featured Posts
I've been there with a call from a seller.  But I typically avoid it by calling the Sellers agent and giving them a report as soon as the opportunity arises.
10:04am • #24
1 Featured Post

wow, 50 homes!  This is off topic I guess, but I don't think I would show anyone 50 homes at a time.  I would work with them to narrow things down some.  I have honestly never shown more then 15 homes to anyone.  

 

How can anyone remember what they liked or didn't like about the home after 50 homes are in their mind? 
10:08am • #25
Sellers are still living in last years market. I'm glad to see the newspapers coming out with all these articles about the change in the real estate market. Once the homeowners are tired of seeing these articles will they realize that  "the customer isn't always right"!
10:32am • #26
153,251 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

50 homes?! Holy Moly...lol

I hope they are committed to you by now..haha

Scott
11:13am • #27
111,701 Points 23 Featured Posts

The "Customer is always right" still holds true.

Sellers just have to realize that in a very real way, the buyer is their Customer.
11:15am • #28
245,817 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Some of the comments, I feel fringe on ethics violation. We as Realtors have no business putting down another Realtor to their client. One needs to be VERY careful when responding to a Seller's call ... remember, they are represented whether you agree with how they are represented or not.
11:41am • #29
1,950,080 Points 478 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I would prefer that sellers not call me, but they do.  My answer is usually the same.

We'll certainly show it if we have a buyer for your area. There's a buyer for every house IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT. 

 

 
11:50am • #30
16 Featured Posts

First of all, Geri, congrats on writing a 'featured' blog!

As someone who is well aware of the market conditions (too much inventory) here on Long Island, I still find it interesting to hear of how desperate sellers are becoming to get their houses sold.  To be honest, I kind of thought that many were just 'testing the waters' to see if they could earn a big profit (reminiscent of those really good market days!), but if the house didn't sell, it wouldn't be a big deal. 

That being said, if there are serious sellers who are at their wit'e end, shouldn't they be considering using every tool available in order to get their houses sold?  Can we say, "Home Staging"??! Hello????!!!
12:26pm • #31
195,491 Points Outside Blog

for a listing agent the seller is their customer as well :)
12:42pm • #32
170,677 Points 1 Featured Post

Geri, I certainly wish you luck with these clients!! 

As far as the Sellers calling you, it shows that the Listing Agent has lost or never had CONTROL of their client.  Though they may not realize it the Sellers might actually put themselves in a compromising position by speaking directly with you, if they inadvertently give away critical info to a trained pro.  I have a little "consultation" with my new listers that I equate to the Miranda act! They should say nothing and communicate to no one about their property unless through me.  We do this to protect them; if they are not confident in our team's skills we might not be right for them. We primarily work as single agents so we truly have their best interest at heart.

The other agent is either lazy, not trained well enough or both.  Seize the opportunity to capitalize on their mistake.

All the best
3:14pm • #33
NOV
10
2006
3 Featured Posts
I've been getting a lot of calls from sellers as well, and they usually are offering waaaay to much information for their own good.  If their listing agents knew what they were saying to me, their eyes would roll back in their heads.  I say the same thing as Lenn about there being a house for every buyer.  The sad thing is that I am now getting more calls from sellers for feedback than I am from agents.  What's with that?
3:15pm • #34

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Geri Sonkin - Long Island Real Estate

Merrick, NY

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Douglas Elliman Real Estate

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