Special offer

"But, I Just Call The Number On The Sign..."

By
Real Estate Agent with Remerica Integrity, Realtors®, Northville, MI

"But, I Just Call The Number On The Sign..."

How many times have you heard that statement?

There's a few ways to end up talking to a new potential buyer client.

  • Floor Call
  • Mailings
  • Blogging
  • In Line at the Grocery Store

During a conversation about real estate, you find out they're looking to purchase a house. You probe a little to find out how they're going about it and they say "we're not working with anyone." I say, "you should be working with a buyers agent. That's your best bet. They'll be able to advise you throughout the transaction and show you the houses."

"But, I Just Call The Number On The Sign..."

The listing agent has a legal obligation to the seller, not you.

You need representation of your own. Someone who's on your side. A buyers agent.

If you're thinking about buying a house, give me a call.

I'll be on your side.


Comments (33)

Wayne B. Pruner
Oregon First - Tigard, OR
Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI

I get some sign calls and never has anyone bought that listing. Occassionally I do pick up a Buyer for another property.

Dec 15, 2012 12:39 PM
Melissa Zavala
Broadpoint Properties - Escondido, CA
Broker, Escondido Real Estate, San Diego County
This is great advice. Most buyers do not understand how important this is, and also how important it is to be faithful to your agent.
Dec 15, 2012 12:49 PM
Richard Iarossi
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD
Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Eric,

I don't think NAR does a very good job at advertising representation, and how important it is to buyers. Than again, we Realtors do everything we can to get people to call off of a sign.

Rich

Dec 15, 2012 01:35 PM
Lorraine or Loretta Kratz
Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions. - San Marcos, CA
Certified Negotiation Consultants

To often what buyers and listing agents are thinking is that they can get a better deal and more income (commission), if they call the number on the sign. In todays world its all about the bottom line. Enjoyed your post.

Dec 15, 2012 02:05 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

when I am working with buyers and they decided they like one of my listings I refer them to another agent in my office to make the offer.  I have done dual a couple of times with rare circumstances and people who knew what numbers they wanted to offer/take without any input from me.

Loved your reponse to the chick who just read the headline. 

Dec 15, 2012 02:21 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Eric - More and more buyers seem to be calling the listing agent, especially many frustrated with low inventory. Many also don't seem to think that they need their own agent.

Dec 15, 2012 03:06 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Eric, buyers do weigh their pros and cons of working with listing agents - I am sure. I have been told by some of these buyers that I can 'cut a deal' for them even when I represent the seller!

Dec 15, 2012 03:16 PM
Christina Sanchez Hood
Palo Alto, CA
#SiliconValleyHOODS | Inspired Living

Eric, so true!  It's a good thing for buyers to realize that it takes more than just calling a number on a sign to purchase a home.

Dec 15, 2012 03:17 PM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

I don't understand why all signs do not have a QR code on them....so many rental prospects in front of a property with one of my signs have actually used the QR code and viewed the home on their smartyphone from the air conditioned or heated comfort of their car....they are calling me to see the inside...YEAH! Baby!

Dec 15, 2012 07:02 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Great post and well deserved Feature Eric.  It's amazing how many people don't realize "who" is/would be on their side.

Dec 15, 2012 07:05 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I hope buyers will read your post and call you to be their buyer agent in your market area.

Dec 15, 2012 07:35 PM
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

I believe that having your own buyer's agent is important because you get to build a relationship with them, and they know what you want.  That said, I have represented both sides before with no problems at all  I just fully disclose that I represent the seller as well as the buyer, and we get to closing.  Of course I am only saying that because they were my listings I got the call on.  Otherwise I'm with you, have your own buyer's agent!  

Dec 15, 2012 09:10 PM
Donald Reich
Madison Specs - New Rochelle, NY
Cost Segregation Specialist

I agree with Gita. The sign is there, so that they will call you. It's always best when you sell your own listings!

 

                 

Dec 15, 2012 09:37 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

 

To find out about this after the fact will leave a hard to get rid of sour taste in a buyers mouth every-time..Good post E

Dec 15, 2012 10:38 PM
Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

Too many buyers make the mistake of thinking they'll save money working with the listing agent.  They'll save more working with a good buyer's agent who is on their side.  Call Eric!

Dec 16, 2012 12:45 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I hate hearing this one.  One guy went so far to ask me, "Why is it so hard to find someone to open doors for me?"  I suggested he find a brand new agent who had that kind of time to work with a disloyal client.  He said he wanted someone with experience.  Well...stop going at it as if we are just door openers.  Get ONE agent working for YOU.

Dec 16, 2012 03:49 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Featured in the group:  BARTENDER, MAKE IT A DOUBLE.


Dec 16, 2012 03:50 AM
Eric Michael
Remerica Integrity, Realtors®, Northville, MI - Livonia, MI
Metro Detroit Real Estate Professional 734.564.1519

John & Irma, when I have a buyer that's interested in my own listing, I explain how things work. If they want their own representation, I refer them to another agent in my office, if they don't, I'll move forward with the deal. If you're honest upfront, things could work out.

Joan, I tell all buyers upfront why they need a buyers agent.

John, you can't, really. If you end up with both, you're just pushing paper and letting them do everything.

Frank, that's funny.

Wayne, I've never had one buy my listing, either.

Melissa, thanks. Faithful is a good point!

Rich, it's a double-edged sword. We do what we can to sell the house, but if they call us, we're all of a sudden trying to help them buy a house.

Lorraine/Loretta, in a perfect world I would control the entire process and make double the money. This isn't a perfect world.

Tammy, thanks. We're a lot alike.

Christine, I wish I could just call a different buyer or seller when I get frustrated with whoever I'm working with :)

Praful, that's the thing. They think that if they can bypass a buyers agent, the listing agent will eliminate that part of the commission from the sales price. Doesn't work that way.

Christina, glad you understand.

Wallace, people still use the QR codes? Hmmmm...

Roger, exactly.

Gita, I do, too! lol Thanks!

Jared, like I said above, if it's my listing, I disclose everything and give everyone their options.

Donald, she didn't say anything about a sign or selling your own listings.

Richie, thanks for the good words, pal.

Bryan, thanks for the endorsement. You're right. They "think" they'll save the buyers side of the commission, but in actuality, theyll lose out on the buyers side representation and knowledge and negotiating.

Erica, yup.

Chris Ann, you couldn't be more correct. Thanks for the feature in Bartender!

Dec 16, 2012 09:16 AM
Justin Dibbs
Fairway Independent Mortgage - Ashburn, VA
Mortgage Advisor

I've had many buyers contact me who were already in contract, without their own agent, and having problems.  Nothing I can do then.

Dec 16, 2012 12:28 PM
Eric Michael
Remerica Integrity, Realtors®, Northville, MI - Livonia, MI
Metro Detroit Real Estate Professional 734.564.1519

Justin, I've had those, also. What can you do?

Dec 17, 2012 08:29 AM