Follow Your Instincts...They Are There For a Reason


Follow Your InstinctsFunny how sometimes you know things are just not quite right but you proceed anyway out of trust and the willingness to help someone buy their first home on their own.

A month ago one of my favorite clients referred someone to me. We met, I gave her one of my buyer packets and we went over the agency forms together. We selected a date for our next meeting and all was well. At least I thought.

My first sign of things not being just not quite right was when she wanted me to change the wording in the buyer agency agreement on commissions to state that in no way, shape or form she would owe me any commission. I thought this was strange but I proceeded anyway.

The 2nd sign was when she was all over the board on the homes she selected to see. The 3rd was when she dictated how I was to write an offer. Her family said this was the way to do it. We wrote on two homes of which neither went anywhere. 

After all was said and done on the 2nd home I suggested that we sit down and regroup her wants, needs and desires. You are so unhappy I said and I don't feel as if you trust me. I am on your side and if you feel like I am not then maybe it would be better if we parted ways even though I would love to help you find your new home.

She said she just wanted an agent to open doors for her and then write the contract the way she wanted it written. She was a grown woman and could make her own decisions and did not need my help in making them. She had family to guide her so why should she trust me over her family. If I wanted to guide and help someone to do so with my other clients and not her. We signed a release of agency.

Next time I will pay closer attention to my instincts.

Next....

 

 
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About the Author- Martha Brown is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) whose passion is homes in the Annapolis MD area and surrounding communities. As a 3rd generation Annapolitan she writes about her experiences in and out of the real estate market. Martha has been a local Realtor(R) since 1992 of which all have been associated with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., the largest independently owned real estate company in the Mid Atlantic.

Martha would love to hear from you so give her a call any time. Sharing her Annapolis MD area expertise is her passion.  You can reach Martha at 410-440-7839 (cell) or 410-260-2800 (ofc)

 Martha@TheRealEstate-Lady.com

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Post is included in group: Bartender, Make it a Double
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor
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49 Comments on Follow Your Instincts...They Are There For A Reason

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

AUG
09
1,140,050 Points 154 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Well this is someone who clearly does not understand the true value that a real estate agent adds.  And, it sounds like her whole family believes the same thing so I feel badly for any agents they all encounter in the future.  I'm sorry that this happened to you, but at least you realzied now rather than much later.  Good for you in confronting the issue.
9:21am • #30
527,797 Points 70 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Fernando- If it had not been for it being a referral I would have nipped it sooner but I had to try to make it work. 

Andrew- I totally agree. 

Mike- yes she did and what I shared was just the tip of the iceberg of what she told me when we parted ways.

Shelly- I will always try to make something work when it is a referral but you are right. If there is something not right from the beginning it will never be right.

Bruce- you are probably right on there. I asked who he was but did not recognize the name so not sure he was local to area.

Barbara- It was difficult. I felt as if I was letting my client down. We will see what affect it has

Richie- Exactly. I even mentioned to her that buying a home should not be as stressful as she was seeming to be but alas I knew nothing to her.

 
9:25am • #31
527,797 Points 70 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Doug- Her family even got into odds with the home inspector on the last deal and the inspector was one recommended by them. She wouldn't use the 3 names I gave her.

Jeff- It was time to let go. The next agent is in for a huge surprise. As for the client that referred her...we will see.

Myrl- I believe it will be awhile to. I am more than a door opener and paper shuffler and besides my fudiciary duty to her would have been compromised if that is all I did.

Joni- You wonder right?? Paying attention to my instincts has always served me well and when I don't it usually ends in disaster.

Nan- Crazy huh? My thoughts exactly. But I guess she figured that it was the only way to get into a house>

Thanks Barb- now lets hope the referral client agrees.

Sally- Yes I agree but you know how it goes with some. They think they know everything about everything when in fact they know just enough to be dangerous.

 
9:34am • #32
527,797 Points 70 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Oh Gay- how id you manage to get through that one. Kudos to you for surviving!

Dave- Well said. Unfortunately this young lady has a father who knows all things. Got the picture?? :0)

Debbie- thanks. I do believe her whole family have serious trust issues with anyone for any reason. From conversations I heard between them Daddy was always right and always knew exactly how to fix something and everyone else was just a bit shady. Sad
9:42am • #33
1,519,849 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Well then one of her freakin' family members should get a license to help this princess out.  
10:25am • #34
1,519,849 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Featured in the group:  BARTENDER, MAKE IT A DOUBLE.
10:26am • #35
527,797 Points 70 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Oh Chris Ann....I just love it when you show your soft side. LOL Thanks for the feature!!
10:32am • #36
294,956 Points

We learn this in school, go with your gut and dont doubt your answers. We have to do the same in other aspects as well, if you feel like something isnt right then it most likely isnt, and needs to be addressed.
11:12am • #37
397,657 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Oh, one of those...  I might have asked when the last time her family member represented someone in the sale or purchase of a home?!?  Yes, go with your instincts.  Good advice (and good riddance)
11:16am • #38
466,470 Points 50 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I know this type of buyer all too well. Unfortunately, she'll never buy a home because she's listening to the wrong folks. If they are real estate professionals, then ok, but they should represent her, not someone else. Some you have to say adieu.
11:43am • #39
316,108 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I find it so invigorating when I get to dump someone.  Love it.  why waste your time.  Let her get an attorney when all goes wrong.
11:54am • #40
763,389 Points 107 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Let her hire a newbie agent who might be willing to let her walk all over them. Don't second guess what you did. It sounds like she'll discover later the reason to have a good agent. Yeah, Chris Ann!!
12:32pm • #41

Some people just don't trust Realtors. I guess some have given a bad reputation for the public. Also some buyers think their family and friends know more than a trained professional. smh
1:28pm • #42
681,574 Points 51 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good Grief Martha, nothing like having a client with a whole family of "realators" helping her! LOL
2:51pm • #43
504,855 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Martha, nothing good ever comes from working with someone when the red flags start showing up. Glad you let them go.
5:08pm • #44
352,572 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

That's too bad but you are absolutely right.  Everytime I do not listen to my first instincts I regret it.
5:23pm • #45
1,337,555 Points 128 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Martha, And I am working with the rest of  her family! Pretty soon it will be time to tell them to fish or get off the yacht. I thought I knew what I was getting into.

Glad you were able to let go.

Margaret
7:54pm • #46
474,305 Points 12 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You have great instincts!  We all need to pay closer attention to that little voices that tells us to beware.
9:32pm • #47
AUG
15
5 Featured Posts

Martha, even though your instincts were right on, you did what a professional, good person would do, that is try to help and guide and be a great ambassador for our industry. Even though she was a complete waste of time, you can sit back and know you did everything you could and be proud of yourself!  Some people just can't be helped.
5:01am • #48
AUG
17
299,600 Points 9 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

Kudos to you for trying and also for not hanging on too long. However our instincts might sometimes be off the mark, the red flags speak volumes. Never ignore the flags. Unfortunately, this is a lesson learned only by experience.
1:12pm • #49

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Martha Brown Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

The Real Estate Lady

Annapolis, MD

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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc

Address: 320 Sixth Street, Annapolis, MD, 21403

Office Phone: (410) 260-2800

Cell Phone: (410) 440-7839

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