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Agent to Agent Courtesy - Out of Style?

I must admit, I'm old school. So please help me understand in this new reality why agents being courteous to other agents isn't necessary, because I am lost.

I faxed an offer to an agent and then followed up several hours later with an email to verify that they had received the offer. Now 24 hours later I still have received no word from the agent. I called and left a message on their phone, still no call. I realize that in this short sale market it takes weeks to get acceptance or rejection, but a return call or email saying that the offer was received is important to me. Who knows in this electronic age if everything came through or went to the right person or whatever.

This agent is on Active Rain in my community and boasts of the great service and professionalism they provide. I guess this only extends to clients and not other professionals they deal with. Is it me or can you help me understand why courtesy is out of style?

Posted by Gaylen Thornton on 07/26/2008 04:45 PM

Comments (15)

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15 Comments on Agent to Agent Courtesy - Out of Style?

JUL

2008

Gaylen --There's (almost) no excuse for this type of behavior. It's possible that this person is out of cell phone range or is in the hospital (unlikely) but shy of that, it's just downright unprofessional. I don't see how you can brag about your service when you can't even return an agent's call about an offer -- not acceptable.

Gaylen the conduct of this agent is one of the things that the Codel of Ethics of the NAR addresses strongly. One reason for the Code is to help agents work well with each other. Good luck but it sounds like if you can't work something out a Broker-to-Broker might help.

Sharon, that is why I emailed them as well. Thanks for your words, I think it is unacceptable too.

Time to bypass the agent and contact his or her Broker directly...Not only is this unprofessional, it's just plain disrespectful

Absolutely unacceptable, but hopefully there is a reason for the lack of communication. I hope that you let us know how this turns out.

Gaylen:

We actually call before the offer is extended to find out the "playing field" so to speak. But, agent to agent courtesy is a dying art!

The absolutely best professional agents, treat other agents, people & clients, the way they want to be treated...

The arrogant, rude & uncourteous agents, DON'T LAST LONG, BECAUSE THEY MAKE TOO MANY ENEMIES..

Gaylen in today's market it would seem even more impartant to cater to all clients and agents. We need to do everything in our power to sell as many properties as possible. The better you treat me the harder I am going to work to sell your properties

Doesn't the other agent realize that they need to not only estatblish a rapport with their clients, but also with the agent of the prospective buyer to make a smooth transaction for all involved?

I have never understood this sort of behavior. Sometimes we need to be firm and set boundaries in our negotiating but common courtesy and tact never go out of style. I hate to admit it but there is a tiny fraction of agents that are like this in my area and unless i am CONVINCED that the listing they represent is perfect for a buyer I am hesitant to show the listing. Let me say that i will always show anything that would fit my buyer but again, I just plan on dealing with the attitude, sloppyness, ethical lapses or what ever issues come with a particular agent ahead of time.

Thanks - RusseLL

AUG

2008

I call the agent while I am writing the offer to confirm that the agent can respond prior to the deadline. It is only after that communication that I will fax the offer.

Presently, I am hand delivering my offers. Some agents who have a problem with this have asked that I either fax or email it to them. After sent, I call the agent to confirm the receipt and explain the offer.

Agents need to represent their seller's best interest. Not responding is kind of an ethical dereliction of duties.

I dare you to write an offer on any of my listings anytime, because you will get a response and I will communicate. Good luck!

Clearly there are people in every industry who do not understand the meaning of the word PROFESSIONALISM. Unfortunately for everyone, the real estate industry is no exception.

AUG

2008

Unfortunately we have faced this more and more lately. Especially if the other agent aready has offer/s in or is under contract already (yet still listed as active). So all we can do is keep calling and eventually have to submit the offer knowing that we have just wasted our time and our buyers time just trying to get the other agents to answer the phone or acknowledge our existence. ~Rita

AUG

2008

Thank you for posting this Blog. It is reminders just like this one that will prompt lazy agents to take more action.

Gaylen

I agree with Ann-Marie ...absolutely best professional agents, treat other agents, people & clients, the way they want to be treated... I believe this is commonly referred to as The Golden Rule which I live by. Sounds like you do too!

There are many agents in my area that I simply do not want to do business with for this very reason ... and yet ... if they have listed the home my buyers want ... then I have to go for it knowing full well what I am in for.

I wish you all the best with this. Courtesy is NOT out of style!

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