Real Estate Blog - MR/MIZ REAL ESTATE AGENT: WHERE'D YOU LEARN THIS BAD BEHAVIOR?

Home : Blogs : BILL CHERRY : BILL CHERRY'S GREATEST DALLAS PARK CITIES REAL ESTATE BLOG

MR/MIZ REAL ESTATE AGENT: WHERE'D YOU LEARN THIS BAD BEHAVIOR?

I have a serious question. Where did this bunch of real estate agents get the idea that it's OK and proper to begin negotiations for their client without anything in writing and no money being put on the line?

Or how about this one? "How much do you think they'll take for it?" Why would they ask me that? How can I possibly serve my clients if I know the answer, much less if I were to reveal it?

This is sleazy stuff. I absolutely refuse to be a part of it. (Stop calling me!) And if you're a prospective seller or buyer and your real estate agent is attempting to initiate discussions like these on your behalf, regardless of which side of the equation you're on, you ought to fire him on the spot.

BILL CHERRY, REALTORS DALLAS TEXAS

Our 43rd Year Serving Texas

214 503-8563

Posted by BILL CHERRY on 03/08/2008 06:53 AM

Comments (9)

real estate negotiations, home buyers, home sellers

Originally posted at: BILL CHERRY'S GREATEST DALLAS PARK CITIES REAL ESTATE BLOG: MR/MIZ REAL ESTATE AGENT: WHERE'D YOU LEARN THIS BAD BEHAVIOR?

9 Comments on MR/MIZ REAL ESTATE AGENT: WHERE'D YOU LEARN THIS BAD BEHAVIOR?

MAR

2008

Bill, "How much do you think they'll take for it?" is not a question for a buyer's agent to be asking a listing agent. On the other hand, it's a question my buyers ask all the time, but not something I would actually ask the listing agent.

Bill, I agree with you on the "how much will they take" but I do call the listing agent in certain circumstances. For instance I am working with a buyer that insists on a home sale contingency. I will call you and ask if your seller will at least entertain the contingency before writing the offer.

Oh dear, I just hate to hear about things like this happening. Luckily, no one as asked the dreaded question lately.

Bill Cherry, I have a slightly different take on it. I like to ask this question because I like to "probe" for weakness. I need to know if an offer would be "entertained" at all. It is just about gathering information to gain a negotiating advantage.

However, I firmly believe as you do that the listing agent should not know or divulge this information.
It just depends which side of the equation you are on.

Bill Roberts

To you all --

Asking about prospective contingencies to a proposed contract are OK with me. And before I take your contract to present to my client, you'll understand that I'm going to get your assurances that your client is pre-qualified for his loan or has the cold cash on hand in the bank.

But this business of totally ignoring the listed price as if it doesn't exist at all, and then calling to ask what my client will take for his property is way off base, and I simply will not tolerate it from anyone at anytime for any circumstance. Submit your offer on a contract and then you'll get your answer.

Bill

Hi Bill...I was with you on your first assertion.

I won't do any of it verbally...burned once twice shy! I anoy a few along the way...but there aren't any surprises!

MAR

2008

YOU TELL-UM BILL...That question has been ask of me thousands of times over my 32+ years in the real estate business. At one point I would answer the silly question of "What do you think the seller will take?", with, "Well gee I'm pretty sure they will take their asking price!". To which I would then get, "No come on really, what do you think...so I gave that one up :). Amazing, and sad to say it's the majority. Liz

YEP, my answer is always "put your offer in writing". Even if I know what my seller will take, why would I EVER tell the buyers side that information. Do they think I'm stupid? Who do they think I work for?

This blog does not allow anonymous comments