REALTOR® STOP - Unless You Are A Principal in The Transaction...

Michael this post is simple and right on!  This is a great reminder for all.

Michael-what a great post, right on point and the timing is great! I've come across this quite a bit and usually try to shift the focus back to the clients. After all, it's all about them and not about us, but unfortunately, sometimes egos and personalities can get in the way, which become a great disservice and misrepresentation to the client. Thanks again for the great reminder, excellent post!

Fascinating post & love learning more about real estate from inside ... as I'm just a homeowner now & forever.

How funny Michael: Yes, when I was a little kid, I actually did annoy my father, who is now a REALTOR Emeritus and past president of our Board, with that exact incorrect pronunciation!  He corrected me all the time and I rolled my eyes.

And I also called the UPS Delivery Person, the Ups (like not Down) Man. Kids.

Michael, you are right - you NEVER KNOW what your client may say, EVEN IF they have said NO in the past. People are allowed to change their minds.

Such simple advice yet so true...thanks for the reminder!!

While I agree agents should not speak "for" their clients, I believe there are times when it is acceptable.  If "we" have specific instructions from "our" clients that we are not to even present low ball offers or if they have given "us" specific instructions on how transactions are to be handled, I believe "we" have the duty to obey their instructions.  After all they hired "us" to represent "their" interests. 

When asked "How much will they take for the property" I always use a little humor that is a great ice breaker.  My stock response is "I know they will take $$$$ (asking price), but I don't know how much more they would accept."  My other stock answer when asked how much less than asking will the sellers take is that I don't know, but let's put your offer in writing and present it. I then follow up with a little more humor and say "I didn't get married by not asking".

The whole idea is two fold. First let's get the buyer to relax a little and second get it in writing. Once done you are now working with a serious buyer.

Great reminder!  I have had sellers inform me to automatically turn down an offer if it was for less than x number of dollars but that doesn't happen often.

Hi Michael, we agree.  We may state "We believe our seller will..." but do not speak from our authority to do so.  Because we do not!

Michael, This is a great post and so true. I wish I had a dollar for every time I have heard agents do this.

Good point we should always defer to our client.  However, we should also share our thoughts with them.

I do get your point, we agents only represent our clients and they speak for themselves....yes.  But it is not entirely true that we, meaning we agent types, do not have the ability to answer a question for our client regarding their wishes of any sort. We are paid to represent and that is representing it even if the "we" part offends.  The truth is that a good agent can and often does speak for the client when they fully understand the clients needs and wants.  Don't you think?

I just went through this with an agent the other day.  She made so many comments as the "we" and they were important considerations without even going back to HER buyers for their voice in this transaction.  These are not decisions for "WE" to make but buyers and sellers only....great post!

Spot on. "I will ask" is my most often used phrase.