I get calls everyday from buyers who have signed up on my website and would like to see a property. My first question, "Are you currently working with a real estate agent?"
I am surprised at the number of people who will tell me they don't want to commit to one agent. When I press them as to why, they'll often admit they're afraid they'll miss the right house if they commit to one agent. In other words, they think talking to multiple agents will get them better results. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, that's probably the best way to MISS the right house.
As a busy Franklin TN real estate agent, I only have so many hours in a day. My first priority is to my clients. These are the people who have committed to me by signing a contractual agreement. That contract may be with a homeowner to sell his existing house or with a buyer to assist him with the purchase of a new home. These buyers and sellers receive preferential treatment from me. We have an established agency relationship and I owe them certain fiduciary responsibilities.
How does this preferential treatment benefit buyers?
I will meet with buyers for an intial consultation. This will give me an opportunity to discuss their wants and needs for housing. I'll educate them about the process and we'll specifically talk about their time frame and responsibility in securing a loan. They won't actually make a loan application until they've found the right house, however, they will need to get pre-approval from a lender so we can submit that with their offer.
Once we've determined their time frame and properties of interest, I'll set them up to receive new listings daily that meet their criteria. This way, when a new listing comes on the market, they won't miss it. Additionally, I'll also watch for new listings. When I see a property that's a good match, I'll call. Many of the best homes go under contract in the first day. A phone call to alert buyers to a property ensures that nothing slides by without their attention.
If a buyer hasn't committed to use one agent, they'll probably miss an opportunity to see a listing meeting their criteria.
What happens to buyers who don't have a buyer's agent?
I literally receive hundreds of emails a week from buyers who haven't taken the time to commit to one agent. They are spending countless hours trying to scan the hundreds of homes currently available to find the right one. Many of the listings they find on aggregate sites are usually already sold. A much better use of their time is to trust one local agent to keep them informed who represents their interest.
It also bears mentioning that every agent has access to the same multiple listing service information. If one agent tells you a home is already under contract and you see it on another website, it doesn't mean that the house is still available and you've received incorrect information.
Our MLS requires that homes under contract with contingencies remain in the MLS until all contingencies have been satisfied. That's why you'll see it still appear on multiple websites even after it's under contract.
Don't miss the right house.
Don't miss the perfect home because you've chosen to go it alone. Instead, sign a buyer's representation agreement with one agent who is hired to search and show you properties. This may be the best decision you'll ever make about purchasing a Franklin TN home. Especially, given our highly competitive market.
When you're ready to commit to one buyer's agent, call Tammie White at (615) 495-0752.
Should I use multiple agents when searching for a Franklin TN home?
Comments(10)