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Sometimes Doing The Right Thing Is Talking Your Cient Out Of Buying A Property

By
Real Estate Agent with Integrity Real Estate Group
Talking My Clients Out Of Buying A Property
Over the last few days my role as a Realtor® has been to talk my clients OUT of buying a property instead of talking them IN to buying it.  Now many folks would say "but that's crazy" however my role as a Realtor® isn't about doing what might put a few bucks in my pocket but about doing what is right.

The client had their eyes on a piece of property in a very nice area in Fairfax County.  A few years ago I had helped the couple sell their smaller townhouse and buy a new bigger one.  I knew then they had their heart set on eventually building their own home.  When a lot in their desired area came on the market we started doing our research.  Both they and I knew the area had some issues with building due to the type of soil in the area.  The listing agent assured us the lot was buildable but I had some doubts.  As we negotiated on the price we went into gear on finding out anything we could about the lot history.  After a few days we had a letter issued by the county health department stating the property did not perk nor would it be suitable for an alternative septic systems as well. 

At first this didn't deter them from considering moving forward.  We had a counter-offer on price but suggested we do one more round with the county health department to make sure the information we had was correct.  After sleeping on it and meeting with one of the county engineers in person they decided the lot was too big of a gamble. 

I breathed a sigh of relief as I notified the listing agent of our decision. My clients thanked me for continuing to dig and keeping them from making a very expensive mistake.  We will keep looking to find the right property for their to build their dream home and I'll sleep well tonight knowing there money is still safely in their bank account.

 

 

 





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                                   Real People*Real Lives*Real Estate

If you are interested in learning more about the Northern Virginia Real Estate market including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties give Cindy Jones and Integrity Real Estate Group a call at 703-346-2213.

Military Relocation Specialist serving military families relocating to and from the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, Quantico MCB and all of the Military District of Washington installations. 

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Check out www.varealestatetalk.com and www.cjrealtygroup.com for more information.

Integrity Real Estate Group
 
Real People*Real Life*Real Estate

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia



 

 

Comments (149)

Robert L. Brown
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

You did the right thing. You will be blessed for making the RIGHT decision.

Sep 15, 2011 01:16 PM
Tamara Perlman
Referral Network Inc. - Truckee, CA

Great job Cindy.  We have to make sure the client has as much information as possible to make the right decision.  I've had several deals where I slept better knowing the client didn't make one of the most expensive choices of their lives!

Sep 15, 2011 02:24 PM
Steven Pahl
Keller Williams Tampa Properties - Tampa, FL
Real Estate Consultant Tampa, FL 813-319-6423

Cindy, good Job!  It is always the right time to do the right thing.  You'll find them the "right" property in due time!

Sep 15, 2011 03:16 PM
Ginny Shipman
Keller Williams DTC - Denver, CO
Shipman Colorado Homes

It's always best to do your best! You showed what the best should be and you will find your clients a spot where there will sleep soundly too!  

Sep 15, 2011 03:27 PM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Robert-thank you for your comment.  I feel blessed everyday to wake up and see the sunrise.  Have a terrific weekend.

Sep 16, 2011 12:52 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Tamara-I like to get a good nights sleep and I'm glad you do too :-)

Sep 16, 2011 12:53 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Steven-the good news is they live in a terrific place now but I hope to help them find their dream place in the near future.

Sep 16, 2011 12:54 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Ginny-it was a big disappointment and I'm hoping the next person who looks at this lot does their due diligence as well.

Sep 16, 2011 12:55 AM
Alan Grizzle
Chestatee Real Estate - Dahlonega, GA
Full Time Realtor, Lifelong Resident of Dahlonega
I have noticed that what was once a good buildable lot is now unbuildable due to new EPD requirements. You must do your homework before you buy land.
Sep 16, 2011 02:23 AM
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

Funny I should read this right now.  I'm in the same sort of situation, not exactly, but a property that a buyer shouldn't buy for a number of reasons.  I think that we need to be careful not to make decisions for our clients, but to give them ALL the information so they can make an informed decision themselves - Kasey

Sep 16, 2011 04:05 AM
Steve Waddicor
SB&A Realty Group - Fall River, MA
Greater Fall River, MA Homes for Sale

Great blog, thanks for sharing it. I get most satisfaction knowing I help a buyer or seller make an informed decision. Always providing this quality of service to your clients and the commissions will follow.

Sep 16, 2011 04:52 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

That is what we are supposed to do, but the buyers interest first.  Good job.

Sep 16, 2011 02:19 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Holy guacamole, Cindy!  I thought I'd pop back over to check on my millionaire friend and 142 comments?!  WOW! I was just visiting another feature and noticed so few comments--you really struck a chord here!

Congrats on the feature and being an inductee to the Million Point Club!  You ROCK!

Sep 18, 2011 10:29 AM
Claude Labbe
RLAH / @properties - Washington, DC
Realty for Your Busy Life

"the right thing" is the right thing, today and 12 months out.  If the timeline changes the "right thing", then you know in your heart, it's not right.

That's the only way to be.

Sep 19, 2011 01:51 PM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Alan-absolutely.  Major digging on your property can destroy the ability for the county to be able to perk a property as well.

Sep 20, 2011 01:56 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Kasey-yes we are information gatherers and the final decision always comes from our clients.

Sep 20, 2011 01:57 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Steve-thanks for your comment.  It is often overlooked by the public that we aren't all about pushing people to buy a home but but about providing good council to our clients.

Sep 20, 2011 01:58 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Gene-absolutely our interests are always secondary to doing the right thing for our clients.

Sep 20, 2011 02:01 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Debe-thanks so much.  I was thrilled to see this post strike the right chord with other agents. 

Sep 20, 2011 02:02 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Claude-the right thing should always be first and foremost on our minds.  If it isn't then we should retire our licenses.

Sep 20, 2011 02:03 AM