It's human nature that we all have different opinions and interpretations. And let's face it, some people are a lot easier to get along with than others! I've found in this business, as well as life in general, that it is best to try and put personalities aside, look hard to see the other side, and breathe deep when I can't. We won't always agree but we can be respectful in our disagreement. After all, we are here to keep deals together for our clients and bring them to closing.
NEGOTIATING: I love negotiating. It's what makes this business interesting. My approach to negotating is very different based on who I represent - the buyer or the seller. I keep this in mind when dealing with other agents. I respect other agents who negotiate for their client - that's what we are paid to do!
CONTRACTS: They are the only thing we have to rely on, fall back on, and refer to when we are negotiating and after we have reached a binding agreement. Agents must take time to READ the contract and WRITE things correctly. We can all have different "interpretations" so you better make sure that your contract is written so that a rational person, or a court of law, will reach the same conclusion or interpretation as you!
KNOWLEDGE: We can never have enough! Reading blogs daily, attending webinars or classes, reading books, 
completing continuing ed, networking with other agents, and good old fashion experience are all crucial in this business! Knowledge is KING and if you don't have it you will surely lose in the game of real estate.
ASK FOR HELP: Know and understand what the legal terminology in a contract means. If you have ANY doubt about your understanding, then please ask for help! Read and understand EVERY document you wil be asking your client to sign!
COMMON SENSE: While some of the language in a real estate contract can be overwhelming to digest, other parts only require basic comprehension. BUT, you have to READ the contract to know the language. When a contract states "Buyer has 10 days to complete inspections and provide written notification" and "if buyer fails to respond within said timeframe then buyer shall have forfeited any rights and shall accept the Property in its current condition" it is very clear that buyers MUST meet the timeframe if they wish to negotiate repairs. Don't ASSUME that after 13 days and no communication you can simply fax over a request and expect all repairs to be made.
RESPONSIBILITY: As designated agents we have a responsibility to be knowledgeable. We have an obligation to explain to our clients what they are signing before they put their John Hancock on the dotted line. When defective items are disclosed in writing prior to the buyer presenting an offer, and the disclosure document says "Any repair of disclosed defects MUST BE NEGOTIATED AND ADDRESSED in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, otherwise, seller is NOT required to repair any such items" it means that as the buyer's agent you have the responsibility to NEGOTIATE the repair of these items for your client in the Purchase Agreement. Don't negotiate a lower price and THEN assume you can also expect previously disclosed items to be repaired. Your lack of knowledge is not my problem!
HUMBLE: When we make a mistake - and we all do - be humble. Be teachable! We all learn from our mistakes but we have to be wiliing to learn. You gain respect when you admit your lack of knowledge and use it as a learning experience. Transactions can usually be worked out, even when mistakes are made, as long as people are treated with respect.
THANKFUL - When another agent reaches out to you and helps you resolve a problem, take time to say THANK YOU! It's not anyone else's responsibility to help you fix your transactions and keep a deal together. Agents are all busy and they expect you to take care of your side of the street. So when they do take time to help you and keep a deal together, remember to say THANKS!
Negotiating, difference of opinions, and personalities are all a part of the wonderful world of real estate. The BEST agents are the ones who constantly try to improve, learn, and increase their knowledge while working well with others. We all share the common bond of representing our clients and bringing professionalism to our industry.
But I've come to realize more and more that the agents we hob nob with here on The Rain are usually the cream of the crop! We have a quest for learning and working well with others or we wouldn't be here daily blogging away, learning, interacting, and sharing. THANK YOU to the countless number of active rain bloggers that share their knowledge with me!
And to the agents that continue to do business without reading the documents, refusing to stay informed about changes to contracts and disclosure requirements, assuming that because you've been in business for many years and that's the way you've always done it, and are too stubborn to accept help or admit your mistakes...YOUR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE IS NOT MY PROBLEM!
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