Slimey Sales GuyCuriosity got the better of me today. I was reviewing some Expireds around the area I serve, primarily those listings that had sat on the market 180 days or longer. I always wonder about all the myriad of reasons of why something doesn't sell like price, condition, location, poor marketing, lack of staging, bad curb appeal, the water tower in the backyard, etc. But today my brain wandered to the for sale sign out front that had the name of Mr. or Ms. Smug real estate agent on it.

What I mean by that has to do with steering. Real estate is a people business and Realtors know other Realtors(and their work habits, ethics, and reputations). Steering for fair housing purposes is illegal. But I have heard if buyers commissions are below 3%, or FSBO's don't work with agents, buyers reps drive by the house.

But what about slimey salesmen (or women)? Someone in the past that left a bad taste in your mouth. The "superstar" who is full of gimmicks. Who has more tricks up their sleeve than Houdini. If you've had to go to arbitration to get your fair share of a commission from them how likely are you to want to work with them again? I think in many markets there are a handful of these, what shall we call them, charlatans?

So do you as a high integrity Realtor steer clear of those listings (if possible), because of the "likeability factor" or ethics of these representatives? I would think it might only be human nature to deal with only agents that are worthy of working with.

So maybe when picking up an expired listing, you can subtly say to the home seller, the problem was with your former agent. But that's off the record!

 

6 Comments on All Real Estate Agents Are Not Created Equal

FEB
02
2008
110,394 Points 1 Featured Post
Yikes, Gary.  Maybe this should be  member's only post???? 

I must admit that I've been tempted to pass on a listing that is with a 'discount' broker or one that offers a commission that is less than acceptable to me....BUT......   Ethically and because my clients count on me I can't bring myself to do that.
2:48pm • #1
644,874 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Gary, I'm afraid I don't look at the commission before showing.  In many cases, I find myself saying to myself, "Wonder what the commission is on this house I'm about to sell..."  In small towns commission doesn't make a difference because buyers will demand seeing everything.

But you can bet there are a few agents that are so difficult to deal with that I almost swear off their listings. Buyers have to BEG me to show those! 

2:55pm • #2
1,328,218 Points 188 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Nancy: I wasn't saying you or I would not deliberately show a particular agent's listing, but I hear stories about agents that have been burned bad by other agents, and like elephants, have long memories. They might show the property if the client requests it. They are just not going out of their way to promote that one.

Barbara: I have heard that too with some discounters, but you really have to or should do what is best for the client and the commissions will take care of themselves. I have heard that story from agents that specialize only in buying.
3:02pm • #3
243,011 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
I'll be honest there are a couple of agents I would rather avoid... but I press on despite the 'bad taste.'  I believe that's just human nature.  As for sellers, I've used the 'all Realtors are not created equal' line more than a few times. 
10:46pm • #4
FEB
04
2008
236,913 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Gary, at this point I am not looking at anything, just willing to sell what is out there... I will deal with the 'bad taste.' later. I take the challenge and learn my lesson.

 
11:46am • #5
2 Featured Posts
Every area has it's share of bad apples. The one's who will take a listing at any price with the goal of beating them up on the price on a weekly basis. Why be truthful up front when you can decieve a seller into giving you the listing under false pretenses?
2:08pm • #6


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Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR® SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Flower Mound, TX

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Keller Williams Realty

Address: 2611 Cross Timbers Rd, Suite 100, Flower Mound, TX, 75028

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