Just Because We’re Both Available Doesn’t Make Us A Good Match

Many years ago, one of my girlfriends fixed me up on a blind date.  Without much coaxing, her 'inner cupid' emerged as she convinced herself of the following:  “Carie is single.  He is single.  Sounds Like A Perfect Match!”  Well, the blind date was a huge disappointment, primarily because we had absolutely nothing in common.  Yet, although my girlfriend had good intentions, she didn't pay much attention to our individual styles or interests and instead, hoped we would somehow be compatible.  Coincidentally, after a recent experience with my cousin and her real estate agent, I was quickly reminded that it takes more than a brief introduction – and a wish – to be the procuring cause of any successful relationship.

You're a Buyer's Agent and she's a Buyer:  You seemed like you would make such a great couple.  Recently, I visited a cousin who desires to relocate in an unfamiliar part of town.  She started working with a local agent and asked me if I would accompany her for moral support.  She and her agent had met previously to discuss the usual details including the following "non-negotiable" criteria:  no properties located next to a gas station, no properties located on an alley, no properties within a block of a fire department or hospital emergency room, and no properties located on a main thoroughfare.  My cousin also discussed some of her "semi-negotiable" criteria, which pertained to aesthetics and structural characteristics.  Otherwise, she realizes she won't find perfection, nor will she likely find a property that has each and every desired feature.  In other words, she knows what she wants, she knows what she doesn’t want, and she might be willing to compromise on certain things.  In return, she was told there were several properties from which to choose.
 
Spending the afternoon showing a buyer properties with mostly non-negotiable and semi-negotiable features will likely create mutual heartbreak for both the agent and the buyer.  From individual experience, my cousin's non-negotiables could easily have been verified ahead of time via phone call or a quick drive by.  It's also been my experience that semi-negotiables can be turned into negotiables – although that typically happens with knowledge of inventory and a meaningful discussion about acceptable alternatives.  Furthermore, there might also be times when a client’s current needs and desires are met with limited market availability.  It happens.  As with most relationships, you don’t want to encourage two incompatible parties to get together because as we know, buyer’s remorse does not just apply to real estate transactions.

I know your time is important ... but so is mine.  Nobody wants to waste anybody else’s time.  So, if I were a buyer, I would want to say to my agent:  Please talk to me – really listen to what I'm saying – be honest with me – and let’s discuss all of my viable options.  You are the expert.  That is why I am relying on you to be knowledgeable and up-to-speed on what is happening in your market.  If I were a buyer, I would also want to say to my agent:  I'm a qualified buyer – I’m willing to be open-minded and somewhat flexible -- and I will be extremely loyal to you.  Trust me ... I really want this to work out.  Sadly, I've also learned that some relationships were just not meant to be.