I am working with this great couple and, as we are signing the offer to purchase on a house, I presented them with an "Exclusive Buyer Representation" agreement. Now, I realize there is a lot of debate between Realtors about them, but they are a part of our package, and I needed to work through it.
I explained the agreement to them, let them know that I would be happy if they chose to sign it, and followed up with the old "my broker would be very happy to have a signed agreement" as well. I also told them that if they were happy with my level of service, I was confident that they would stay with me.
So the choice was theirs, and they opted not to sign. Do you know why? I am certain it didn't have anything to do with my capabilities or the rapport that we had built. After all we were were writing a contract, right? Come to find out, because they were nice enough to share the reason with me, they wanted to leave their options open in case they didn't get this house. They were aware of programs that offered cash back for buying or selling your home, and wanted to be able to participate in this program if this house didn't work out and they started looking for another one.
I completely understood and told them as much. Hey, if it were me and I was able to save some money I would certainly pursue it. This wasn't a fly-by-night company they were talking about, this was a reputable company. But in the back of my mind I'm thinking there must be something my company has that compares to these programs. I knew that Long & Foster had a program because I had gone to a training class over the summer that outlined the program and they too offered cash back to buy or sell your home. I just needed to check their availability and find out the details of how it worked.
Now granted we had already written the offer to purchase, so we were "working together" on this house. I assumed it was too late to get in on the Long & Foster program, but would be certain to make them aware of the benefits, for next time... After all I did not want to lose them as clients. We had established a good working relationship and, truthfully, they were just really nice people. The kind you look forward to working with.
So, when I found out that they were still eligible for Long & Foster's program on THIS deal, I immediately e-mailed them with the news! I sent them a flyer that outlined the cash they would be eligible to receive considering the purchase price of the house, and hoped that they would be as happy as I am that I found a program that would work for them.
We are still in negotiations with the first house, and God willing they will come out on top on this one. But, if not, I truly hope that my diligence in finding them an alternate program, (that actually offers more money back) will yield another go at finding another house for them.
We can try our best, but ultimately it is up to the client if they choose to work with us again. I hope they get this house, it fits them. But if not, I truly hope that I will have another opportunity to work with them.
Comments(5)