On Saturday (yesterday), a distraught consumer contacted me about a rental property. I’ll call the consumer John.

After I had given John the pertinent information, he asked if the property would be available for a month-to-month lease. When I advised him that month-to-month leases are rare and he should look into sublets or an extended-stay hotel …

John told me the whole story!

John sold his house a couple months ago, planning to turn around and buy another house in short order. Now time is running out.

John further told me that he has a backup contract on a house. The buyer in the first position may back out due to lead paint and radon issues. Since John has young children, he’s now worried about the lead paint and radon issues himself!

Meanwhile, his house is scheduled to close at the end of the month (10 days away). If he doesn’t find another house to purchase, he and his family of four will be homeless.

Since John indicated he’s already working with a ‘great agent’ who already sold his house and wrote up the backup contract, I told him he ought work with his agent — I’ll call her Jane — to see if she could find a short-term solution for John’s family.

So what did John tell me?

He told me Jane doesn’t have any time. Not just to work with him regarding interim housing … but to show him properties for sale.

According to John, his ‘great agent’ has 3 excuses — 1) she’s a new mom, and therefore her time is limited, 2) John gave Jane only 2 days’ notice for seeing houses this weekend, and 3) Jane’s entire weekend was already booked.

Obviously, Jane isn’t a ‘great agent’. Otherwise she would have —

  • Pre-shopped houses and neighborhoods with John before putting John’s house under contract
  • Given John enough time in the sales contract to find another house to buy
  • Advised John about the possibility of not finding another house in time so he could line up stopgap alternatives
  • Put John on the front burner to find a house every single weekend
  • Advised John about the unreliability of backup contracts
  • Advised John about lead paint and radon disclosures ahead of time

And if all else failed, referred John to an exclusive buyer’s agent who did have time to work with him.

It’s Judy … your North Shore Realtor®.

* * * * * *

When you’re ready to buy or sell, don't leave the choice of your real estate agent up to chance. Make sure you partner with a Chicagoland neighborhood expert who can get the job done to your satisfaction.

We’re connected with a network of top real estate agents throughout the Chicago Metro area as well as nationwide. We do the research so you can ‘move on’ with your life.

Our services are absolutely FREE and come with no obligations on your part.

Reach out to us at 847.859.9197 ... then ‘move’ confidently forward.

 

7 Comments on My real estate agent is great … but she doesn’t have any time for me

FEB
19
2012
409,637 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Judy, I hope you find the right solution for "John". 
8:32am • #1

Good morning Judy,

I found your post on Kathy's reblog.

This is a shame that all of the needs of the client were not handled "at the get-go".  The circumstances in this instance required all of the points you have outlined.
8:39am • #2
325,417 Points 40 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kathy - Real estate agents have an obligation to clients ... especially when they put a house under contract! Usually there's 60 day to close. The right house can and should and can be found in 2 or 3 weeks. If not, the clients should be prepped for this contingency.

Wish I Knew Your Name - Thanks for coming by. It's all about informing our clients.

8:52am • #3
114,763 Points Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hello Judy,

Only 10 days to close and he's just getting concerned about his agents lack of follow through in helping with his sale and purchase. And, to top that off, waiting on a back up offer with such a short deadline. I hope you can work miracles with that  time constraint and help him to have a smooth transition.
9:08am • #4
325,417 Points 40 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Joe - I wish I could help, but the client wants to stick with his agent, and I certainly don't want to interfere with the relationship. These days, homeowners should sell first, then buy, and understand the perils associated with that. Timing is everything.
9:55am • #5
MAR
25
2012
1,210,448 Points 118 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Judy - my hat goes off to the loyalty of this buyer. After all this he still calls her a great agent.
9:24pm • #6
1,210,448 Points 118 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Judy - I just noticed that you moved from Orlando to Chicago area. This is a bit of a surprise. People move to Florida hoping for nice retirement, and you move to Chicago.

If you spent your first winter there after going back, maybe it was you who brought a warm winter there.

Anyway, wishing the best of luck in a new place
9:27pm • #7


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Judy Chapman

Chicago, IL

More about me…

Referral Network of Illinois LLC

Address: 4709 Golf Road, Suite 1100, Skokie, IL, 60076

Office Phone: (847) 859-9197

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