Being A Soulful Buyer's Agent

I'm posting this to the group but not the general community.  The other day I got a contact message through my Active Rain profile AND a phone call from the same person.  When I called her back I discovered that she is unhappy with the agent she's been working with because the agent was reluctant to place a low offer on a property and did not return phone calls for one thing...and for another, the agent seemed to mistrust the buyer's sincerity. 

I did some probing and asked some questions to be sure there was no agency relationship with the other agent, and even tried to share some scenarios that may have explained the agent's behavior (though I couldn't come up with any reason for not returning phone calls.)  Anyway, we were able to build up a rapport with one another and she expressed interest in a particular property.

"I want an agent willing to work for me," she said.  "To negotiate for me.  I want an agent willing to do that."

I can do that.  She didn't sound like she was going to be making ridiculous offers - just low, to start out with and open the table for discussion with the seller. 

I knew that she's almost two hours away.  I also knew that the photos on the MLS were not very  helpful.  I knew where the property was, as I had previewed it the other day. She had work issues preventing her from coming to see the property right away, and I knew there was significant interest in this particular piece.  So I said I'd drive out to take my own pictures and send them to her via email.

Well, I did go out and I took many shots that would have been very beneficial had the listing agent done so...wide, long shots showing exactly how private this property is (the appeal of this piece is its remote location).  I shot up the road, and down the road, to show that it truly is private.  I took shots from behind the house, alongside the house.  

Uh oh.

There is a crack in the foundation.

And another.  And more.  There are cracks all around this place.

Some look superficial...some look more serious.  After pondering for a few minutes, I took pictures of them as well.  I didn't want her to drive all the way up here and then be angry that I didn't tell her about this before.  It may or may not be a deal breaker...but my goal is to keep her happy with me and to trust me as someone working on her behalf.

For the inside, the listing agent's pictures were actually sufficient; it's a difficult place to photograph.  However, I did notice that the flooring was not in the greatest condition, but not too bad either.  I took these pictures as well. 

When working as seller's agent I certainly wouldn't take those pictures, as my job is to make the home as appealing as possible to promote interest in the property and let the buyer and their agent do THEIR due diligence in checking out the property - but when I'm a buyer's agent, I feel my responsibility is not to make the house as flattering as possible but to be frank when they ask me to look into it for them.

The next day  she called me and thanked me so much for showing her the good, the bad and the ugly with the property.  I was pleased that she appreciated it. We discussed having an expert look at the foundation; after all, it could be minor, it could be simple to repair without a lot of cost involved...or it could be serious...but the fact is, she is aware of it and is still willing to drive 2 hours to come see it.

Building trust with your clients and customers is so important. 

I may repost this as an actual blog at a later date but for now just wanted to post it here.