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If you don’t trust your agent or they don’t know what they are doing, why did you hire them?

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty LLC 200311024

Photo courtesy of xlucasRecently I got a call from someone that I had met a couple weeks back at an open house, the house I had wasn't the one for them, but they were out looking and said they would contact me if they found something. I didn't want to push it as it was an open house, but they did take my card and asked me a lot of questions about lease options.

Now, fast forward to yesterday when they decided to call back and say that they were sorry they didn't use me, but wondered if I would help them. HUH? Well, you see they had found a property that was a lease option and they were using another agent that was a little more aggressive at an open house. But, the problem is, this agent apparently had never done a lease option and every question they asked, he would say, "I don't know."

Now, they are calling me asking me for advice and I had to tell them, that I'm not their agent and these are question they need to ask their agent. He kept saying, "But, my agent doesn't understand lease options!"

I understand this. You hired that agent to find you a home, but if you hire a plumber to do an electricians job, don't call the electrician when your plumber is in trouble. They are not going to fix the problem over the phone and certainly aren't going to be offering their services to you for free.

So, if you have special needs, such as lease option or owner financing, I suggest you call an agent that specializes in lease options or owner financing or it could cost you a lot in time, money, and possibly even time in court if the paperwork isn't done properly. If you are in the market for a home that is either a lease option or owner financing, then please give me a call and I would love to help you get in to that home. But, if you're calling to have me help your agent that decided to break the rules and try something that he didn't understand, or has no knowledge of then, I'm sorry, I can't help you, I have my own clients to take care of.

 

Comments (7)

Lorinda Ward
Keffer Realty - Norfolk, VA
Serving, Hampton Roads Virginia. Norfolk, Chesapeake, Va Beach

I had something like that happen to me also.  I went on a listing appointment, sadly,did not get the listing but the owner calls me up to tell me if I find a buyer he would go down a good percentage.  I told him to talk to his agent about adjusting the price and he said he can not get a return call from his agent.  He said if he canceled he would have to pay a hefty cancellation fee (but that was the agent he chose to work with), I politely told him I can not discuss anything with him as long as he was being represented by an agent.

Jun 25, 2008 06:05 PM
Tony Tony
Potomac, MD

funny. you would be suprised as to how many people like this I have come across before. Good luck!

Jun 25, 2008 06:07 PM
Jesse Clifton
Jesse Clifton & Associates - Fairbanks, AK

Seems as though there are still a few of 'those' agents out there.  Too bad more buyers don't do their due diligence when retaining someone to represent them.  Of couse, most buyers don't really 'retain' anyone... they simply go with the guy (or gal) who has the best line and can open the doors. 

Jun 25, 2008 06:48 PM
Virginia Hepp - Mesquite NV REALTOR
Desert Gold Realty - Mesquite NV Homes For Sale - Mesquite, NV
Mesquite NV Homes and Neighborhoods - Search MLS

Well said, Todd.  I am amazed at people who do this.  Sometimes they call after I show their property and ask for suggestions and feedback.  I tell them I will call their agent.

Jun 25, 2008 08:10 PM
Adam Waldman
Westcott Group Real Estate Company - Hauppauge, NY
Realtor - Long Island

TODD - This happened to me once, and it was with a "friend" that decided to go with someone else during my transition from one company to another.  At the time, I was taking the high road, but eventually, I got annoyed with the situation and told him to talk to his agent.

Jun 25, 2008 11:01 PM
Judy Tuscano
Prudential Verani Realty - Nottingham, NH
NH Real Estate Professional

Todd - It seems that people always want advice for free and it makes me wonder if they would be willing to work at their jobs and not get paid?

Jun 26, 2008 12:20 AM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Todd - This is an excellent question.  I have often wondered about this myself, especially when they choose a friend or relative to help, and it is obvious that it makes them uncomfortable.

Jun 26, 2008 01:00 AM