The hysteria of a sizzling hot real estate market can make some people do crazy things. A number of years back, without any perceivable warning, several close acquaintances began to display the unmistakable symptoms of "housing bubble fever". These normally rational peoples' language suddenly changed from the practical to, "If we don't buy now..." and  "If we cut back on expenses...", which for most seemed completely out of character. Still, for some, making a move was inevitable. If one could get a decent deal and it really was a lifestyle enhancer, it could be the right thing to do and the right time to do it. So the quest began...

Even with so much competition from other potential buyers, friend "A" spied a property she liked on the MLS which was still available. It was a newish condo and it had many of the features she included on her must-have list. Because her significant other would not be around, she asked me to go along to the open house which was to take place that upcoming weekend. I agreed and when the date arrived, off we went, excitedly, I must add. At the open, she met a short, curt man (I say met, but he barely took a second away from his cell phone or made eye contact) who apparently was the listing agent. This dearth of customer service continued throughout the entire time she explored the condo. After making several attempts at asking questions, the answers to which were not on the MLS or the hand-out, she became disheartened - this guy just didn't seem to care whether or not he sold this listing! I felt terrible but at the time could do nothing. On the way home, in addition to consoling her, I thought to myself, "I wonder what the seller would think if they knew their listing agent behaved in this manner?" Of course, they would be horrified. I guess when things get hot some people get lazy, but to experience it first-hand and at the expense of someone I knew was both shocking and disappointing. Unfortunately, this would not be the last time I witnessed someone who considered themselves a real estate professional being far less than professional.

Stay tuned for part II.