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Extended Family - Do you give it away?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Rockland County Real Estate

 

Actually quite a bit removed, and definitely not blood.

I have been sending MLS emails to this girl regularly (about six months).  Her sister is an agent about 200 miles away as does not have access to our MLS.

I just received an email from the girl who says her sister is coming on Saturday and they would like to see things around the 300k range.  This is the writing on the wall.

This family (there are 9 kids) are cheap, they are cheap about everything, even themselves.  They do not splurge on cars, clothes, restaurants, or vacations.  They are always looking for a deal.  They also could afford to do these things, they just don't.

The funny thing is that some of them are in businesses that you would think they know how hard it is to make a buck.  They hustle, they waitress, bartend and sell real estate.

In the couple of years I have been in this business, (I have only lived here four, so I don't know too many people either) I have never even received a referral from them (they grew up here).

I could do the nice (or stupid) thing and let her know everything that is available in the price range, and hope for a referral, or I could tell them how I really feel.  I'm not shy but letting them know my feelings would also start a bunch of poo poo.

Do you just give it away?. 

David Spencer
Keller Williams Northland - Kansas City, MO
Show Me real estate in Kansas City

Do your homework and get a buyers contract signed.

If the other agent is licensed in your state, she can sell it herself once you find the property for them.

Nov 29, 2006 05:40 AM
Jamie Ramos
Re/Max Alliance - New Haven, CT
New Haven Connecticut Real Estate Agent

If she wants her sister to get the sale then explain to her that her sister needs to do the legwork.  I would ask now and if she wants her sister to represent her then do not send her anything or take them out.  If you are going to represent her sign a BB and make it for 6 months. 

Sometimes it is better however to let these things go.  If you have a bad feeling go with your gut.  You dont want to do tons of work and then have her sister get paid.

Nov 29, 2006 05:58 AM
Real Estate
Best Buffalo Homes - Ellicottville, NY
Trust your gut feelings --- they always tell us what we don't want to believe is true....
Nov 29, 2006 06:09 AM
Rebekah Peters
Exit Realty Tri-County - Mount Dora, FL
I don't like the saying: buyers are liars, but you have to take control and you will only know if they are using you if they refuse to sign.  Can you work out a referal agreement with the sister so you both get paid?  Some is better than none and you walk away with respect.
Nov 29, 2006 06:26 AM
Dennis Serra
Meridian Business Group - Schaumburg, IL
Lay it on the line.  Ask if she will sign a buyers agreement.  Let her know this is a commision business and this is how you pay the bills.  You will be happy to help her and will do a great job, but you can't spend time with her if it takes away from you generating more business.
Nov 29, 2006 07:56 AM
Eric Bouler
Gardner Realtors, Licensed in La. - New Orleans, LA
Listening to your Needs
Let her know how you feel. It is best to bring it up now and you may save yourself some time and money. Both getting paid is an option if the sister does some work. There are many nice fish in your pond.  
Nov 29, 2006 09:44 AM
Joanne Brown
Rockland County Real Estate - Nanuet, NY

Anytime I've asked someone to sign a buyers agreement they refuse.  At that point, I walk away and wonder if maybe I could have just shown them something that would have clicked and I would have had a sale. 

Nov 29, 2006 04:40 PM
Pete Sambets
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Pearl River, NY

I hate to be pessimistic (sp?) but if you don't have anything in writing, then you have nothing!  She is a REALTOR, just needs your listings.  We use different E-Keys then she does, so when she comes looking to "borrow" yours, ask her to sign at least a referral.  I just lost $2400 yesterday on a "referral" that was clear-cut situation within my company and the broker response was "Did you get it in writing"?  A tough lesson learned.

PS, Jo, Call me on that situation.  You will NOT believe it!!!!!

Nov 30, 2006 12:03 AM